DSWD vows smooth Paeng aid distribution

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured the public that it is distributing cash aid to residents affected by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng in the easiest and quickest way possible, following existing auditing rules and regulations.

In implementing the provision of financial assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), the DSWD said that it follows the enhanced and simplified guidelines of the program as stipulated in Memorandum Circular No. 16, series of 2022, to extend such assistance for Paeng-hit households in a timely and effective manner.

“What we want is to properly provide aid, whether it is food pack or cash assistance. I want it to be smooth and continuous, as well as make it easier for our fellow Filipinos,” Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo said.

The DSWD emphasized that it only requires a copy of valid identification card or any alternative document for identification of residents affected by the weather disturbance to process their request for cash grants under the AICS program.

In a related development, the agency clarified that victims of typhoons or other calamities who may have no available valid ID need to present a barangay certification or justification from the DSWD social welfare office pertaining to the absence of their ID.

This sole requirement is being implemented by the DSWD to comply with auditing rules and to ensure that public funds are all accounted for.

Tulfo provided a directive last August to review the guidelines of his agency’s frontline programs, including the AICS, to expedite the release of assistance to families and individuals in difficult circumstances needing immediate support.

This clarification was issued by the DSWD following the complaint of Noveleta, Cavite Mayor Dino Chua against DSWD IV-A Field Office for allegedly requiring too many documents before giving financial assistance to his contituents who suffered from the onslaught of Paeng.

Based on the initial review of the situation, Tulfo clarified that some residents of Noveleta were not provided with cash assistance because either they were not included in the list provided by the concerned local government unit (LGU) or these individuals were not able to present the required identification document.

During the payout, DSWD Field Office personnel even asked for assistance from barangay heads to validate and certify that the unserved individuals were indeed residents of their respective barangays.

The barangay officials, however, declined the request because they could not identify those individuals claiming to be affected by the disaster in their jurisdictions.

The field office also said they implemented the distribution of assistance in an orderly manner and in accordance with existing guidelines.

Likewise, field office personnel did not fail to provide immediate and appropriate assistance to the affected families in Noveleta.

The DSWD appealed to LGUs for assistance in identifying their respective constituents and in the overall distribution of assistance to the affected population.

Meanwhile, Sen. Bong Revilla and Cavite 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla lauded the swift response of the DSWD in assisting families affected by Paeng in the province of Cavite.

In a post on the senator’s official website, it was mentioned that DSWD IV-A Field Office regional director Barry Chua and his assistant regional director for operations Mylah Gatchalian had already provided 4,000 food packs in Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta and Tanza less than 24 hours after Paeng’s onslaught.

The legislators from the province attributed the DSWD’s quick response to the enhancement made in its protocols for the distribution of aid, which was earlier instructed by President Marcos.

They also lauded the sense of urgency of the DSWD that despite the challenges brought about by the calamity, the agency was able to continue its relief operations.

“All we can ask is that they continue to sacrifice for the welfare of the affected,” the elder Revilla said.

“The DSWD is with us all throughout our daily relief operations. From the delivery of family food packs, releasing financial assistance and taking care of those affected by the typhoon,” the younger Revilla added.

The DSWD recognized the commendation of the father-and-son lawmakers and emphasized that the agency is delivering the needed assistance to the affected population in an effective and efficient manner.

Tulfo is in close coordination with the DSWD’s field offices to ensure the smooth provision of assistance to disaster-hit localities.