DSWD steps up guard vs abuse of CCT

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is confident the government’s modified poverty alleviation program would not be abused by unscrupulous individuals who might try to avail themselves of the benefits repeatedly.

Joel Espejo, DSWD social marketing service chief, said they meticulously documented the household-beneficiaries enrolled in the modified conditional cash transfer for homeless street families (MCCT-HSF).

Espejo said the documentation would prevent any attempt of the beneficiaries to enroll twice or several times.

The MCCT-HSF is one of DSWD’s flagship programs that aim to address the problems brought by street dwellers and beggars, particularly in Metro Manila.

Juvenile shelters to rise in 8 LGUs

Meanwhile, Soliman said at least eight local government units (LGUs) nationwide would be given funds to build Bahay Pag-Asa centers for children in conflict with the law (CICL).

The DSWD chief said the juvenile justice and welfare council (JJWC), an attached agency of the department, has allotted P40 million of its 2016 budget for the establishment of Bahay Pag-Asa next year.

The centers will provide short-term residential care for children between 12 and 15 years who committed a crime and with a commitment order from the court; repeat offenders above 12 to below 15 years old and have previously been subjected to a community-based intervention; above 15 to below 18 years old, who are awaiting court order, and above 12 to below 18 who are considered neglected, abandoned, or abused.

The facility will be managed by a multi-disciplinary team composed of a social worker, a psychologist, a medical doctor, an educational guidance counsellor and a member of the barangay council for the protection of children.

A set of criteria will be used for the selection of LGUs where the shelters will be established.

The DSWD said there are presently 36 Bahay Pag-Asa centers nationwide.