Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian welcomed the decision of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to exempt key agency programs from the election spending ban, citing it ensures the unhampered aid to poor and marginalized Filipinos. “Nagpapasalamat kami sa pagtugon ng COMELEC positively sa exemption, ibig sabihin yung mandato natin sa ating mahihirap na kababayan tuloy tuloy yon kahit na may election ban,” Secretary Gatchalian said in an ambush interview with reporters in Navotas City on Tuesday (March 18). In a memorandum issued by the COMELEC on March 18, the poll body approved the request of […]

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Tuesday (March 18) said the agency will soon launch an online system for the issuance of guarantee letters (GL) under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), as this will do away with the repeated interview assessment by allowing clients to submit their documents digitally. “Meron kasing mga kliyente ng DSWD na hindi na ina-assess verbally kundi sa papel na lang dahil chronic naman ‘yong sakit. Ibig sabihin, may record na kami na itong taong ito ay lagi na da-dialysis, so uulitin lang natin after 3 months, so […]

As the nation celebrates Social Work Day on Tuesday (March 18), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which is home to the country’s social workers, takes into center stage the story of a social worker who continues to find purpose in serving. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has highlighted the significance of Social Work Day as an expression of appreciation to the vital role that social workers play in improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities and in promoting social justice and human rights. Such are the ideals that Mary Rochelle Fabricante has espoused ever since she became […]

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian urged Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries to fully utilize the benefits of the country’s digital financial system through their new smart phones donated by Globe Telecom; and G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the operator of GCash. “Sa pamamagitan ng mga mobile phones, mas mabilis, ligtas, at episyenteng matatanggap ng 4Ps members ang kanilang cash grants at mas matutulungan sila sa mga transaksyong pinansyal, gaya ng paggamit ng digital banking at iba pang serbisyong maaaring makatulong sa kanilang kabuhayan,” Secretary Gatchalian said in his speech at the kick off ceremony of the […]

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian urged the public anew on Tuesday (March 18) to fully-utilize its online permit system, particularly individuals and organizations covered by the agency’s regulatory services. “Sa mga kababayan natin, we encourage na pumunta kayo sa official webpage namin, at sa mga official social media accounts namin. Doon niyo po makikita yung mga digital systems natin, at mga dapat nating gawin para makakuha ng mga permit at ‘yung mga serbisyo ng DSWD,” Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in an interview with DZRH Operation Tulong. The DSWD chief told DZRH that it recently-launched a […]

As part of its support system for engaged couples, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ensures that pre-marriage (PM) counselors across the country are accredited and guided by set standards and practices as they perform their roles. Director Megan Therese Manahan of the DSWD’s Standards Bureau (SB) said on Tuesday (March 18) the agency’s function as the accreditation body for PM counselors is part of its regulatory mandate and various initiatives to support families at various stages of life. “The DSWD sees marriage built on a strong foundation as the cornerstone of healthy, thriving families and children, and […]

In line with the digital transformation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Sunday (March 16) the agency will soon launch its online system for the issuance of guarantee letters (GL) under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). In an interview over Super Radyo sa DZBB, the DSWD chief said the digitalization of the agency’s regulatory and key services is being undertaken to be more efficient and more accessible to the public. “Isa sa mga ginagawa na namin ngayon at ilulunsad na sa lalong madaling panahon, yung automation ng pagbibigay ng […]

A senior official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public that the agency is now imposing stricter guidelines on the release of travel permits to children through the newly-launched Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) system to prevent child trafficking and other crimes against children. “Doon po sa ating manual transaction before, pwedeng-pwedeng mag-transact kahit sino basta may special power of attorney (SPA). This time, mas strict po kami sa paggawa ng account [sa system]. We only allow three persons to create an account—parents, legal guardians, and travel companions,” Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD’s Protective […]