Study: 4Ps, SEA-K less funded by LGUs
-A A +ASaturday, October 20, 2012
SOME of the programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Davao, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Self Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K), turned out to be not fully funded by local government units (LGUs), a recent study showed.
During Saturday’s Research Forum at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, it was learned that based on "Study of the Local Government Unit (LGU) for Social Welfare Services in Davao Region," the 4Ps and the SEA-K are programs that are less-financed by the LGUs according to some of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO).
The study cited both MSWDO and the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) mentioned that LGUs prioritized more infrastructure projects than allocate budget for those social welfare service programs like 4Ps and SEA-K programs.
The study also showed that some of the social welfare services such as Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (Erpat), Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi CIDDS), and program for solo parents are the ones least prioritized by the LGUs.
Other programs that are getting less support from the government are assistance to children in armed situation, and productivity skills enhancement programs.
Raquel Nuñes, chief of Policy and Plans Division of DSWD-Davao, said the importance of coming up with the study is to help the LGUs in implementing better programs and strategies for the improvement of the communities.
She said the study will eventually become basis for planning and perhaps increase budget allocation intended for social services.
"Out of the research, the LGUs can come up with better programs," she said.
Based on the study, only seven out of 30 municipalities in Davao Region are willing to share at least 10 percent and 30 percent against the 90 percent and 70 percent share by the DSWD-Davao.
She said it’s better if there's at least 50-50 percent sharing to fund more social welfare services.
She added, however, that contributions coming from the municipalities will depend on their annual income.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 21, 2012.
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