DSWD to 'retool' existing programs to be more inclusive, adaptive to changing needs of beneficiaries
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday, Jan. 5 reaffirmed its commitment to providing stronger social services that can adapt to the changing socioeconomic landscape this year.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs and co-spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the agency’s P245 billion budget for 2024 will be used to fund existing social welfare and development programs and services, as well as implement agency innovations on digital transformation.
“Under the leadership of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the agency will focus on the development and deployment of automated systems for its priority frontline services, streamline benefit disbursement, and promote financial inclusion,” Dumlao said.
She added that the DSWD plans to retool its existing programs to be more inclusive and adaptive to the changing needs of target beneficiaries, including the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services Program, “Tara Basa!” tutoring program, and the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program.”
Continuous assistance; introduction of new programs
Dumlao said the DSWD will continue to provide interventions to graduating and exiting 4Ps beneficiaries in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), and will monitor their level of well-being to ensure that they do not fall back into poverty.
In terms of capacity building, the agency anticipates that the DSWD Academy will be fully operational this year to assist LGUs and social welfare agencies in providing social protection services, which will advance the practice of social work and community development in the country.
Dumlao also said that the DSWD will launch the “Buong Bansa Handa” program, a new disaster preparedness program that will supplement the government’s existing disaster supply chain.
Apart from its new disaster preparedness program, she said the DSWD will also strengthen its disaster response and management operations by launching the new Disaster Response Command Center, a centralized hub that will operate 24/7 for disaster monitoring, reporting, data and information management, and relief efforts between the DSWD central office and its field offices
“Through these programs, the Department assures the public of a stronger and more efficient delivery of social welfare and development services that will be able to uplift the lives of Filipinos in need this 2024,” Dumlao said.