By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to act swiftly and immediately when responding to the needs of victims of calamities and crises.
During his first State of the Nation Address, Marcos issued marching orders to DSWD regional offices to preposition family food packs and non-essential goods prior to the onset of disasters.
“Magdagdag tayo ng mga operations center, warehouse at imbakan ng relief goods, lalo na sa mga malalayong lugar na mahirap marating,” he said.
“Titiyakin natin na maayos ang koordinasyon ng DSWD at Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development nang sa ganoon, madali ang pagpapatupad ng Emergency Shelter Assistance program para sa mga biktima ng kahit anong kalamidad,” he added.
Marcos vowed that he will strengthen the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations.
Meanwhile, Marcos noted that a number of Filipinos have already “graduated” from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who are now capable of providing for their families.
He also ordered the DSWD to have a thorough review on the list of 4Ps beneficiaries.
Also among his programs is the continued implementation of the supplemental feeding program in Child Development Centers and Supervised Neighborhood Play.
Moreover, the programs fighting violence against women and their children will be strengthened, including counseling through the coordination of every local government units.
Marcos assured that there are sufficient funds for the 70 residential care centers and seven non-residential care centers for vulnerable sectors and persons with disabilities. –ag
