DSWD streamlines relief support for LGUs

There is no need for local chief executives of calamity stricken areas to make a formal request before a relief augmentation support is extended to them after the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has streamlined the process of providing relief support to local government units (LGUs).

The DSWD said its decision to streamline the process of extending relief support is aimed at ensuring the efficient and speedy delivery of aid to communities affected by various disasters.

"DSWD Field Offices can now release food and non-food items to local government units (LGUs) even without an official request from local chief executives or administrators as previously practiced according to existing disaster laws,” it said in a statement.

"The release can be made based on the official recommendation of DSWD field workers who conducted on-the-ground assessment and validation.”

Under the previous setup, the affected LGUs have to request for augmentation support from the DSWD to capacitate them to handle emergencies or calamities.

Aside from the on-the-ground assessment and validation by the agency’s field workers, the DSWD said the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) and official reports of the National Office of Civil Defense could also warrant the immediate release of relief assistance.

Since RDANA is a disaster response mechanism that seeks to determine the extent of impacts and assess the priority needs of the communities, it can serve as basis for expeditious delivery of relief aid, depending on the magnitude of the disaster as assessed by the Regional Office of Civil Defense and concerned agencies, the Department said.

"The DSWD Secretary, Undersecretary of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), or the Assistant Secretary of the DRMG, upon their assessment, can also direct the delivery of food and non-food items to the LGUs for distribution to the affected families,” it said.

Meanwhile, the DSWD also noted "project proposals are still needed” for the implementation of its programs seeking to assist the disaster victims such as Cash-for-Work (CFW) program and the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA).

It explained that CFW is a short-term intervention program that provides temporary employment to affected individuals by allowing them to participate or work in preparedness, mitigation, relief, rehabilitation, or risk reduction projects in their communities or in evacuation centers.

While the ESA provides financial assistance to augment the resources of affected families for their acquisition of shelter materials required in constructing or repairing their damaged houses, the department said.

"As lead agency in social protection, DSWD assured the public that it will continuously strengthen and improve its systems and procedures to ensure that those needing help will be efficiently and immediately assisted,” it said.