ILOILO CITY – With less than a month before the May 12 elections, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warned anew candidates across Western Visayas region from taking credit for the government’s financial aid programs.
DSWD-6 Regional Director Arwin Razo (center) speaks to the media during a forum in Iloilo City on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Tara Yap)
Regional Director Arwin Razo reiterated that DSWD is not a political party or a partisan organization.
“The DSWD serves those who are in need and not based on political affiliations,” Razo told members of the regional media in a forum on Thursday, April 10.
Razo urged candidates to exercise prudence and avoid creating a public perception as if they are the ones controlling particular government programs that would make beneficiaries feel they have “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude).
The DSWD accordingly screens potential beneficiaries, including individuals referred by incumbent elective officials.
“The beneficiaries are assessed by our social workers. They are chosen based on the eligibility criteria,” Razo said.
Meanwhile, the DSWD-6 does not welcome candidates in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental provinces during distribution of ayuda (aid) for the remaining period of the month.
With the exception of burial and medical assistance, all other distribution of DSWD aid is only until April 30.