PBBM cites DSWD as lifeline for the Filipino people

Published on: January 31, 2023

By Alice Sicat

QUEZON CITY (PIA) --

“Alam ko na kung minsan ang pakiramdam ninyo dahil kayo ay kung saan – saan pinapapunta na malalayo na hindi kinikilala ang inyong trabaho. Huwag niyo pong isipin ‘yun. Kinikilala at nagpapasalamat ang madlang Pilipino sa inyong mga ginagawa. And although we do not do it often enough, I must remind you today that you have been, especially in the pandemic, that the DSWD has been the lifeline for millions and millions of Filipinos.”

Thus, the President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said during the inauguration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office Multipurpose Hall coinciding with its 72nd Anniversary celebration, Tuesday (Jan. 31).

At the same event, Marcos also as commended the men and women of the agency for their commitment to improve the lives of every Filipino, especially those who are in distress, in danger, and are disadvantaged.

“Kahit walang nakakakita sa inyong nagagawa, nararamdaman ng lahat ang inyong trabaho, ang inyong tulong, at ang inyong sakripisyo. Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo,”

the President noted.

The dedication and sacrifices of the DSWD social workers had been proven vital to the success of its different programs for reducing poverty, hunger, and to ensure that the services reach those in need, even in the farthest corners of the country.

The President noted the faithfulness to service and genuine love for the Filipino people as reflected in their efforts and accomplishments, which are the most important qualities needed in the social programs of the government.

“Sa inyong sipag sa inyong trabaho, ang dami ninyong natulungan. Kung hindi sa tulong ng DSWD, kung hindi sa ating mga ibinigay na TUPAD, na AICS na hanggang ngayon ay ibinibigay pa rin natin, iyong 4Ps, kung hindi diyan, ay marami siguro sa ating mga kababayan ang nasawi (noong) pandemya,”

the President added.

The President encouraged DSWD to continue calibrating the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and strengthen the government’s social protection initiatives, and to also continue to implement the Unconditional Cash Transfer Program (UCT) and the Social Pension Program (SPP) for Indigent Senior Citizens.

Meanwhile, the government has allotted more than P151 billion to continue the major social protection service programs DSWD. This is already reflected in Republic Act 11936, known as the FY 2023 General Appropriations Act (FY 2023 GAA).

Among the programs which will be supported by this are the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances (PSIFDC) and the 4Ps.

Also present at the inauguration of the new DSWD Multipurpose Hall are Atty. Maneses “Mans” Carpio, who represented his wife Vice President Sara Duterte - Carpio, DSWD Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Punay, other DSWD officials and employees.

(PIA-NCR)