Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo  issued urgent directives  to officials during his first flag-raising ceremony on Monday, July 7 at the DSWD Central Office.

In his message, Secretary Tulfo ordered to continue the distribution of the Php500 cash subsidy under the Targeted Cash Transfer (TCT) Program to help the poor and vulnerable households cushion the impact of the elevated costs of fuel and other commodities.

He also instructed Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group Marco Bautista to preposition Family Food Packs (FFPs) and relief items in local government units (LGUs) vulnerable to typhoons and other calamities to ensure prompt assistance to residents.

In addition, the Secretary also mentioned that the DSWD is now preparing FFPs and other relief items for LGUs around Negros Occidental where Mt. Kanlaon is located and for LGUs in Sorsogon where Mount Bulusan is situated as these two volcanoes show increased volcanic activities.

He also directed Undersecretary for Social Welfare and Development Sally Navarro to monitor the increasing number of typhoid fever and dengue cases in Cebu and to facilitate the preparation of hygiene kits and cash assistance for the medical needs of the affected families.

Meanwhile, the Secretary mentioned that he has signed the extension of the employment of all Contract of Service (COS) employees in the DSWD Central Office and Field Offices until December 2022. He assured the COS employee that they will not be abandoned and they will remain in the DSWD during his term.

After the flag ceremony, Secretary Tulfo headed to the Crisis Intervention Unit payout area to check on the situation of DSWD clients seeking help under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).  Keeping in mind their comfort, Secretary Tulfo instructed for the installation of portalets, water dispenser, and additional electric fans in the  area.

As the new head of the Agency, Secretary Tulfo vowed to make the Department more open to the poor and vulnerable sectors emphasizing that they will be prioritized, respected, and served promptly ###.