DSWD-6 denies financial aid to village  officials, affirms non-partisanship

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

There is no truth to reports that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is and will be giving financial assistance to village officials.

The DSWD-6 regional office issued the clarification after a former local official and a candidate running for an electoral post in the 2022 elections in Iloilo City claimed via Facebook that there was distribution of DSWD forms to barangay officials for them to receive P3,000 to P5,000 assistance.

The candidate added that he also received information that a non-official will receive P1,000.

In a press statement, Ma. Evelyn Macapobre, DSWD-6 regional director, stressed that the agency did not initiate such move saying the agency is non-partisan.

“We are non-partisan and are not engaging in any activity that favors any candidate,” Macapobre said.

“Secondly, DSWD does not distribute forms for assistance. A client who needs the aid brings the requirements to our office, is interviewed at the office by a social worker who helps him or her fill out the form, then gets the cash aid or guarantee letter to the hospital, funeral service or transportation provider, as the case maybe,” she added.

Macapobre also denied that the DSWD distributes forms for filling out by potential clients.

She explained that in cases when Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs) are requesting augmentation for people in their areas, the filling out of the forms are facilitated by the LSWDOs with their own staff.

However, final assessment remains with DSWD social workers, Macapobre said.

“Thirdly, we would like assure the public that we do not give undue favor to a client because of political endorsement. In implementing our programs, particularly in the provision of assistance to those in crisis situation, the assessment as to the amount remains in the hands of our DSWD social workers and depends on the need of the client being assessed,” she said.

Macapobre said that a client who comes to DSWD for assistance can get aid even without any referral letter from a politician or any official.

“DSWD remains steadfast to its commitment to serve with Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo, looking into the needs of the people whom we serve with compassion, and never partisan,” she added.

Usually, indigents and those who are in crisis could avail monetary aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

The AICS is part of the DSWD’s protective services for the poor, marginalized and vulnerable/disadvantaged individuals for medical, educational, burial and transportation.

The AICS has been implemented by the DSWD for decades, as part of its technical assistance and resource augmentation support to local government units and other partners.