Cordillera Administrative Region- The Department of Social Welfare and Development here continues to implement strict health protocols to guard its residents against the threat of the COVID-19. The Field Office is maintain three residential care facilities including the Regional Haven for Women and Girls (Regional Haven), Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) and the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC).

DSWD FO CAR Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia, CESO II shared that the protocol is followed to ensure that the facilities are able to provide efficient and effective service without compromising the health of the resident and the personnel in the centers.

“With our center heads, we are able to follow a set of guidelines that helped us to continue our programs and services to our residents even with the threat of COVID-19. We will push through with this practice as we see that its effective”, Director Garcia added.

As stated in the guidelines, the facilities are only allowed to receive clients that have been referred by the local social welfare and development units. In case of walk-in clients, the individual or the referring office should be able to present a valid health certificate. Admitted residents will be required to observe health protocols such as wearing of face mask and isolation for 14 days.

“Our centers only accept 50% of their capacity to ensure that there will be no overcrowding in our facilities”, Director Garcia said.

Meanwhile, activities in the center have been limited to protect the safety of the residents. Acceptance of visitors have been temporarily suspended.

“Our personnel in our residential care facilities have already explored alternative means in the conduct of our activities. Instead of visitation, we have allowed our clients and their families to have their online meet via video teleconferencing. They are also able to continue their studies through alternative means like online and through module”, Director Garcia added.

Furthermore, Centers and Institutions Coordinator Edna Benitez reminded potential visitors and donors.

“As much as we want to accommodate everyone, we are putting the safety of our residents as a priority. This Christmas season, we would like to encourage interested individuals or groups to refrain from visiting the center. Donations can be dropped in our centers and will be received by our personnel. We can also do events virtually”, Benitez shared.

As of 30 November 2021, the DSWD is catering to 13 residents in the Regional Haven, 21 in the RRCY and 18 from the RSCC. #DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, NERIZZA FAYE G. VILLANUEVA-TRINIDAD