Philippine Social Welfare Development
Social welfare as a basic function of the state was a concept that materialized only after the Second World War, although different groups were undertaking pockets of social work in the first decade of the American occupation in the country. After the war, the Philippine government gradually assumed the major responsibility for social welfare.
Public Welfare Board (PWB)
Created to study, coordinate and regulate all government and private entities engaged in social services.
Bureau of Public Welfare
The PWB was abolished and replaced by the Bureau of Public Welfare under the Department of Public Instruction.
Department of Health and Public Welfare
Created through Commonwealth Act No. 439.
Bureau of Public Welfare Expansion
Officially became part of the Department of Health and Public Welfare, managing public child-caring institutions and child welfare services.
Social Welfare Commission (SWC)
President Manuel A. Roxas abolished the Bureau of Public Welfare and created the SWC under the Office of the President.
President's Action Committee on Social Amelioration (PACSA)
Created by President Elpidio Quirino to effect socio-economic reforms in the countryside.
Social Welfare Administration (SWA)
The SWC and PACSA were merged, marking the beginning of an integrated public welfare program.
Department of Social Welfare
Republic Act 5416 (Social Welfare Act of 1968) elevated the SWA into a Department within the executive branch.
Department of Social Services and Development
Renamed by Presidential Decree No. 994 under President Ferdinand E. Marcos, reflecting a developmental thrust.
Ministry of Social Services and Development
Renamed in line with the change to a parliamentary government.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Reorganized and renamed under Executive Order 123 signed by President Corazon C. Aquino.
Local Government Code of 1991
Republic Act 7160 effected the devolution of DSWD basic services to local government units.
Executive Order No. 15
Issued by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada to strengthen DSWD's repositioning efforts after the Local Government Code.
Executive Order No. 221
Issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, amending Executive Order No. 15 to define DSWD's mandate.
Rationalization and Streamlining Plan
Approved by the Department of Budget and Management, emphasizing DSWD's policy shift and steering role.
