DSWD-7: No food-for-work program fund until LGUs submit requirements by deadline

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 7 could not facilitate the early release of funds from its national office for the food-for-work program unless local government units have submitted the requirements by deadline on March 15.

The DSWD’s food-for-work program is intended for LGUs in the 1st district of Negros Oriental that were affected by the magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck the province on February 6, last year.

Sheba Dabon, focal person for the risk reduction management program of DSWD-7 said they have allocated 20,000 bags of rice for the 1st district of Negros Oriental as initial allocation under the food-for-work program.

The rice allocation can still increase depending on the validated number of families who will be recommended beneficiaries, Dabon said, adding that DSWD opted to give rice instead of cash to affected family-beneficiaries to ensure that they will have food on their table.

Recently, DSWD-7 conducted a two-day orientation and write-shop on earthquake rehabilitation in Negros Oriental that was attended by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and social welfare officers of the LGUs affected by the earthquake.

LGU’s and the PDRRMC were provided with a template as their guide in complying with the required documents for the release of funds.

Part of the work plan of the food-for-work program will require the beneficiaries to plant trees, root crops, vegetables and fruits that would also help cover their daily food needs.