DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s ‘listening tour’ with Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and implementers continues in provinces across the country, this time in Bulacan where he met recently with parent-leaders and municipal links during a “kumustahan” session.
During the dialogue, 4Ps PLs and MLs shared their sentiments on the 7-year limit for program beneficiaries’ stay in 4Ps, challenges in managing cash grants, and ideas to improve the family development sessions amid the government’s plan to amend the 4Ps law.
The 4Ps listening tour is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that program enhancements are guided by the voices of beneficiaries and implementers.
Strengthening programs for seniors
It (DSWD) has committed to ensure a more harmonized and stronger provision of programs and services for senior citizens after the President decided to transfer the supervision of the National Commission of Senior Citizens to the former.
“We welcome President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ directive to place the NCSC under the supervision of the DSWD. Through this transfer, the Department will be able to support the current initiatives of the NCSC and easily link the senior citizen’s database that the Commission is currently managing to the programs, services, and interventions for the concerned sector,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said.
Executive Order 96 immediately directs the placement of the NCSC from the Office of the President to DSWD to ensure stronger policy and program coordination.
Dumlao has assured the smooth transition of the senior citizens’ body to the DSWD.
Over 11K FFPs to LGUs battered by Mirasol, Nando, habagat
The DSWD has so far released 10,956 boxes of family food packs (FFPs) to support families and individuals affected by the combined impacts of Tropical Depression ‘Mirasol’, Super Typhoon ‘Nando,’ and ‘habagat.’
These relief resources were delivered to various disaster-stricken areas in Regions 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 5 (Bicol Region), 6 (Western Visayas), and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
“The tally of our released goods is expected to soar any moment, with the DSWD working double time to accommodate all LGUs’ requests for additional resources to cover the needs of their disaster-hit constituents.”
