ILOILO CITY — The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) here has strengthened the implementation of a system that would ensure that the release of relief assistance complies with Commission on Audit (COA) rules.
This was revealed by newly-installed CSWDO head Gene Garingalao in an interview following the confirmation of her appointment by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) here Tuesday.
“We have some policies on the release of goods and supporting documents, as required by COA,” she said. This means that a requisition slip and case findings by social workers have to be submitted first before the relief assistance is released.
To recall, several employees of the CSWDO were investigated for alleged illegal release of goods from its warehouse. This, after a white CSWDO vehicle was pictured allegedly delivering sacks of government rice to stores in the city. Garingalao said the issue is now with the City Legal Office.
She assured that they have already addressed the concern on the warehouse and stockpiling of goods since she took over as officer-in-charge four months ago.
Meanwhile, she added that one of her priorities as new head of the CSWDO is to ensure the “efficient and effective implementation of basic social services in the barangays (villages)”.
They are also working closely with the Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Iloilo City Police in reaching out to violators of the city’s curfew for minors.
They are likewise considering to enter into an agreement with hospitals in the city to accommodate individuals in crisis situations, especially when there is no government office. The city government will shoulder the expenses. (Perla Lena/PNA)
