House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda decried on Thursday, September 30, the low budget given to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) especially with the country still recovering from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
During the interpellations on the DSWD's proposed budget, Legarda lamented the "measly" budget of P191.4 billion given to the government agency, especially the allotment provided for poor Filipinos which have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
"This budget does not reflect our assistance to the poorest Filipinos during times of pandemic. At the proper time I will humbly introduce the amendments that I believe must be aligned with our pandemic recovery attuned to the Magna Carta of the Poor," Legarda said.
Legarda also pushed for additional funds for the 4Ps, and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) which she said is needed to provide assistance to Filipinos especially those who have lost their jobs.
Meanwhile, she praised the DSWD's cash for work resiliency program and gave her support for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) .
Budget sponsor and Negros Oriental 1st District Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong, vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, lauded Legarda's suggestions to augment the budget of the department and provide help for 4 million poor families. (Melvin Sarangay)