Cordillera Administrative Region- Programs and services under the Department of Social Welfare and Development will be continuously implemented even during the election period. This follows after the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) released a resolution dated 1 April 2019 approving the petition of the Department for the exemption from the Omnibus Election Code that prohibits the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds as stated under Section 262 (v.2).

This means that DSWD may continue to disburse funds in relation to its programs and services including the distribution of cash grants to beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the implementation of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

The COMELEC resolution, however, stated the condition that programs requiring expenditures, the expenditures are limited to an amount equivalent to one quarter covering the duration of the election period.

“We would like to assure that we will continue providing our assistance and service to our clients and stakeholders in accordance to existing guidelines and procedures”, DSWD-CAR OIC-Regional Director Janet P. Armas said.

“We would also like to apologize to our clients and beneficiaries who have been affected by the cancellation of scheduled pay-outs prior the release of the COMELEC resolution. We are doing our best to deliver the services as soon as possible”, Armas added.

The DSWD has also requested for an authority to continue its ongoing and undertake possible disaster relief, early recovery and rehabilitation efforts during the election period.

Schedule of payouts and other service delivery activities will be directly communicated to DSWD Social Welfare and Development Offices in the provinces. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva