Cordillera Administrative Region– The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here ensures its clients and beneficiaries that the implementation of programs and services under the Department will continue even during the elections this year.

DSWD-CAR OIC Regional Director Janet P. Armas said that this is in relation to the Ban on Disbursement of Public Funds being implemented by the Commission of Elections (COMELEC).

“We will continue to implement our programs and services as we have been cleared by the COMELEC to continue in our operations just like in 2013. Grants and other forms of fund augmentation will be continuously provided to our clients and beneficiaries because we have to immediately address their needs. We recognize the urgency of providing the assistance to them”, Director Armas added.

Among the programs and services that will continue to release grants are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program, Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens, Supplementary Feeding Program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, Shelter Assistance, and other protective programs and services for women, children, youth and other sectors.

“Our assistance through our programs and services need not to put to halt this election period because we are for the welfare of the people that we serve. They deserve to be served efficiently and immediately”, Director Armas shared.

Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano- Soliman reiterated that despite the challenges of the upcoming 2016 Elections, DSWD remains as a change agent for the people that the Department serves.

“We are precisely undertaking the most important role of a change agent which is to enable those who have not been heard, those who have not been recognized by the Government are now listened to and respected. The people have found their voices and are asserting their right to protect the gains they have made; that they actually hold proof that their dreams are becoming their reality. We should continue to support that.” Secretary Soliman said.

Release of grants, pension, and other funds in relation to DSWD are scheduled by the respective programs of the Department and this is being closely monitored by DSWD Field Office personnel. # DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva