Iloilo City, DSWD-6 Sign Agreements to Boost Social Welfare

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo City government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 6 signed three key agreements on Feb. 27 at Iloilo City Hall to strengthen social welfare programs.

The agreements include a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program, and a Data Sharing and Non-Disclosure Agreement to streamline the implementation of social welfare services.

Mayor Jerry Treñas and DSWD-6 Regional Director Arwin Razo led the signing, joined by Assistant Regional Director Joselito Estember, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Teresa Gelogo, and DSWD-6 Division Chiefs Katherine Joy Lamprea and Asuncion Santiago.

Atty. Fydah Sabando of the City Data Assessment and System Management Office also took part in the Data Sharing and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Treñas expressed gratitude for DSWD’s continuous support, emphasizing the city’s commitment to improving the lives of Ilonggos.

“I am grateful for all the programs of the DSWD. This means that we have done something to improve the lives of our fellow Ilonggos. The best thing we can bring into this world is our continuous effort to make people’s lives better every day,” he said.

Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program

The Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program, a national initiative, aims to reduce involuntary hunger among low-income families. Under the agreement, the city government will help implement the program by endorsing it to barangays, providing logistical support, and coordinating with relevant offices.

Currently, 419 city residents benefit from the program, receiving PHP3,000 per month for three years through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase essential food items from accredited partner stores.

Iloilo City was recently recognized for its efforts in food security, winning a PHP1-million cash prize as a finalist in the Walang Gutom Awards of the Galing Pook and DSWD. The city’s RISE-A-FARM initiative was shortlisted from over 100 local government units nationwide.

Data Sharing and 4Ps Monitoring

The Data Sharing and Non-Disclosure Agreement aims to improve verification and monitoring of social programs, particularly the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The agreement will help track beneficiaries and align support services with the city’s development goals.

DSWD-6 reported that about 7,000 4Ps beneficiaries in Iloilo City are set to graduate from the program this year.

Razo commended the Iloilo City government for its strong commitment to social welfare programs.

“We appreciate the support and efforts to ensure that the partnership between DSWD and the local government unit continues. What we are doing together to make a difference in the lives of the poor requires collaboration and the involvement of other stakeholders,” he said.