Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao and Field Office MIMAROPA Regional Director Leonardo Reynoso respond to various questions from reporters during the DSWD Thursday Media Forum held on October 17 at the Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.

Asst. Secretary Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, assured reporters that the agency is coordinating with other national government agencies (NGAs) to assist with the on-going repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Lebanon amid the rising tensions in the region.

The DSWD spokesperson also clarified points relevant to various social protection services of the department, such as the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’s (4Ps) First 1,000 Days Grant (F1KD).

Regional Director Reynoso reported on the key accomplishments of the MIMAROPA field office, including upcoming projects to advance the implementation of the agency’s program and services in their area of jurisdiction.

The DSWD Thursday Media Forum is organized by the DSWD Strategic Communications Group and hosted by Special Assistant to the Secretary (SAS) for Communications Raymond Robert Burgos and OIC of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications (Strat Comm) and Agency Operations Service (AOS) Director Clarissa Lara Duran.

It is livestreamed over the DSWD Facebook account.