CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) actively bolsters its disaster preparedness and community development initiatives.
During the third episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency, DSWD Regional Director Venus Rebuldela detailed the agency’s efforts to equip communities to face natural disasters and enhance public awareness about climate change.
“As we face the new normal, part of the agency’s response is the Risk Resiliency Program-Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation-Disaster Risk Reduction,” Rebuldela explained.
Moreover, the cash-for-work program has assisted 7,719 individuals in Central Luzon, helping them develop skills to tackle climate change and disaster threats.
Rebuldela also highlighted the DSWD’s disaster response efforts, revealing that during typhoons Egay and Falcon last year, 6,714 and 24,985 beneficiaries respectively received Emergency Cash Transfers.
“Emergency Relief Assistance reached 13,055 individuals, while 7,512 benefited from the food-for-work program,” she disclosed.
Additionally, the agency supports community development efforts through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services program.
“Under this program, we established 58 sub-projects, benefiting 7,835 families despite the pandemic,” Rebuldela shared.
To ensure the quality of services provided by various Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs), DSWD continues to accredit these agencies.
Currently, DSWD has registered two SWDAs, licensed eight, and monitored 28. The agency has also provided technical assistance to nine Pre-Marriage Counselors and 137 local governments.
Rebuldela commended the dedicated staff of DSWD in Central Luzon, referring to them as “modern-day heroes, our Angels in Red Vests,” who remain diligent in delivering services amidst various disasters.
“To the dedicated staff of DSWD Field Office 3 – Central Luzon, you are the proof that the agency will continue to provide extra love and extra care,” she said.
Finally, she urged everyone to continue fulfilling the mission of providing prompt and compassionate service because “Every Life Matters to DSWD.” (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
