The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reminds the public of its sole authority in identifying beneficiaries of the Protective Services Program (PSP) of the Department.
This has been made through Memorandum Circular (MC) 9 titled ‘Supplemental Guidelines on the Implementation of Protective Services Program”. Dated 1 August 2016, MC9 aims to promote the fair and equitable implementation of the PSP by ensuring that those who are truly in need are the ones benefiting from the said program.
In the said MC, it has been clarified that referral letters from individuals, groups, organizations, including public officials whether national or local executives, legislators, members of the judiciary, or constitutional commission are not integral to the implementation of the PSP. It is further stated that while the letters may be considered, these will not be the basis for the DSWD social workers in evaluating the qualifications of the beneficiaries seeking assistance.
Among the programs covered by MC 9 is the Expanded Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (E-AICS) which caters to the security of the poor and the needy in times of crisis. The program aids to individual’s psychological needs through counseling and aids one’s financial needs by providing medical, educational, burial, food and transportation assistance.
Crisis Intervention Section Head Judith De Guzman said that they are able to track the individuals who availed of the program through the Crisis Intervention Monitoring System (CRIMS). She also added that they strictly assess each individual to ensure that they are serving those who are most in need.
For the second quarter, the E-AICS has catered to a total of 2,336 individuals in the region. 51.84% of the clients were provided with educational assistance, 40.65% for medical, 5.98% for burial, 1.48% for transportation, and only 1% for food.
The number of beneficiaries dropped to about 8% as compared to the 2,564 clients catered by the 2nd quarter of 2015. Social Worker Marissa Fortes said that the number of beneficiaries is expected to increase because of the on-going school enrolment and other crisis situation.
“MC9 will promote the right of our clients to fair and equal opportunity to access government programs and services. DSWD offices are open to anybody who has social welfare and development concerns” DSWD-CAR Regional Director Janet P. Armas said.
The DSWD Regional Office can be reached through (074) 442-39-46 or focar@dswd.gov.ph. Social Welfare and Development Team Offices under the Regional Office are also available in the provinces of the region. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva with Mark Erik King D. Guanzon
