The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expected to receive this week around 21 Distance Learning Information Technology (IT) equipment worth P3.3 million from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The DSWD announced that the ceremonial turnover of the IT equipment, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through IOM will be held on October 22 at the DSWD Auditorium.
DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista and IOM Philippines Chief of Mission Kristin Marie Dadey will grace the event.
"The IT equipment will further boost the Department’s capability building initiatives in disaster preparedness and response by ensuring the continuity of effective distance learning activities among disaster response personnel in the local and national levels given the limitations set by the current COVID-19 pandemic,” the DSWD said.
“The new equipment will also be used in developing, implementing, and delivering coordinated disaster response management programs for sectors vulnerable to hazards, as well as providing timely disaster response information to the public,” it added.
The Department said all DSWD Field Offices (FOs) will receive the IT equipment from the IOM.
Expected to join the turnover ceremony are DSWD Undersecretary Felicisimo C. Budiongan, DSWD Assistant Secretary Rodolfo M. Encabo, IOM Philippines Country Office Program Manager Troy Dooley, IOM Philippines Country Office National Program Coordinator Conrad Navidad, USAID Deputy Mission Director Patrick Wesner, and USAID Regional Advisor Joe Curry.
"With the new equipment, the Department vows to continue to brave the threats of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and stay true to its commitment of delivering unhampered public service in conducting disaster preparedness, response, and early recovery and rehabilitation efforts,” the DSWD said.