C. Visayas LGUs, DSWD sign pact for 4Ps

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development and Local Government Units of Region 7 converged here Thursday (Nov. 29) and signed a memorandum of agreement in strengthening the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Wadel Cabrera III, national deputy project manager of 4Ps and Nemia Antipala, DSWD assistant regional director for operations, led the signing ceremonies held at Bohol Tropics Resort Club here in the presence of Rep. Erico Aumentado (2nd dist., Bohol), Gov. Edgar Chatto and town mayors representing their respective turfs.

Under the MOA, the DSWD will conduct an assessment of supply for health and education in partnership with LGUs and agencies, provide or facilitate the cash transfer for identified beneficiaries and identify target areas on data poverty incidence.

DSWD is also tasked to provide technical assistance to LGUs concerned, guarantee the proper information on the program, preside over the inter-agency meeting, conduct regular monitoring program implementation, review policy development and spearhead capability-building and consultations.

The LGUs, for their part, shall make sure that education and health services are available for their beneficiaries, accreditation of their respective Rural Health Units, from municipal advisory committees and submit compliance reports to the DSWD.

They should also facilitate complaints, requests, promote the program to stakeholders, conduct regular monitoring and technical assistance, provide counterpart links to DSWD and provide free birth registration and processing documents to comply the requirements of the program to 4Ps and establish efficient recording system in all health facilities, among other duties. (FREEMAN)