DSWD distributes goods, intensifies consultation-dialogues with Pablo Victims

MONKAYO, Compostela Valley --- Assisted by barangay officials, DSWD continue to engage the affected families during distribution of relief goods in Barangay Baylo, Monkayo, Compostela Valley on Monday.

In an effort to clear misunderstandings and accurately inform the victims of typhoon ‘Pablo’ on issues affecting them, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 11 is currently conducting dialogue-consultations in affected barangays in Compostela Valley.

Raquel E. Nuñez, Policy and Plans Division Chief at DSWD Region 11 reiterated that only DSWD can delist beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program contrary to what some quarters are saying that politicians or local officials can delist them if they do not vote for a particular candidate.

Speaking in the vernacular, Nuñez stressed, “para pud maklaro sa inyo, kay nakadungog mi sa istorya nga ingon sila katong mga nikuyog [sa rally] didto sa DSWD tanggalon. Kung kamo nga tinuod nga naga attend og regular session sa inyong FDS, dili biya sayon ang pagtanggal sa inyo (To clarify things, because we have heard of rumors that those Panatawid Pamilya beneficiaries who joined the protest against DSWD will be delisted. If you attend the Family Development Sessions (FDS) regularly, you will not be delisted).”

Further, she clarified that Pantawid  beneficiaries who participated in the protest rallies staged by the Barug Katawhan on January 15 in Montevista, and February 25-28 at the DSWD Regional Office in Davao City will not be delisted from the program. “Again, we are stressing that only DSWD can delist beneficiaries, and as long as you are complying with the conditionalities, you will remain a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.”

Pantawid beneficiaries can only be delisted if: pregnant mothers fail to avail of pre- and post-natal care; if they do not undergo regular health check-ups; if they fail to attend classes at least 85% of the time; or if parents fail to attend the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS).

“Walay maski kinsa nga mga pulitiko o kandidato ang magpatanggal sa inyo (No politician or political candidate can delist you),” Nuñez added.

For her part, Ms. Jenny Rose Porras of Barug Katawhan, who was present during the relief distribution and consultation-dialogues affirmed the partnership with DSWD. “Naa ning Barug Katawhan ug ang DSWD, partnership ni sila (Barug Katawhan is working in partnership with DSWD), Porras said.

“Ang Barug, DSWD ug Balsa naghi-usa sa distribution sa disaster relief goods (Barug Katawhan, DSWD and Balsa Mindanao are together in the distribution of relief goods for the disaster victims),” Nuñez added.

In view of the election ban on the release of public funds during the campaign and election period starting March 29, the distribution of relief goods will be conducted by private groups. DSWD