DSWD denies political-related program in Iloilo City

ILOILO CITY – The Western Visayas regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-6) denied it is engaged in a politically-related program in Iloilo City for the upcoming May 2022 elections.

“We are non-partisan and not engaged in any activity that favors any candidate,” said DSWD-6 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre.

This was after a former Iloilo City councilor recently raised a concern that DSWD forms are allegedly being distributed to officials in barangays (villages). The forms allegedly are for cash assistance of P3,000 to P5,000 to elected officials while non-officials are said to receive P1,000.

Macapobre emphasized that DSWD did not distribute the alleged forms to any barangay for cash assistance.

“We would like to assure the public that we do not give undue favor to a client because of political endorsement,” explained Macapobre.

“In implementing our programs, particularly in the provision of assistance to those in crisis situations, the assessment as to the amount remains in the hands of our DSWD social workers and depends on the need of the client being assessed,” added Macapobre.