Social Welfare expands core programs in Western Visayas

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office is set to expand its three pro-poor core programs in 2012 in all towns and cities in Western Visayas.

This was announced recently by DSWD regional director Minda Brigoli, adding that the regional office is in need of some 200 additional workers to facilitate the implementation of poverty alleviation projects of Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-Cidss), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and self-employment program.

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New workers to be hired include community facilitators, engineers, financial analysts and other staff workers.

Brigoli said these programs are on top of the traditional public service delivery projects and other services the DSWD is mandated to serve.

On the other hand, Iloilo City is being proposed to be included in the Urban Kalahi-Cidss program next year after undergoing validation. The inclusion of Iloilo and Bacolod cities are reconsidered after finding out that both cities are hosting thousands of indigent families.

New Kalahi-Cidss municipalities for implementation in 2011 until June 2012 has an estimated total project cost of P234.26 million, with 408 barangays under coverage and 215 prioritized subprojects.

To be covered are the municipalities of Maayon, Tapas and Jamindan in the province of Capiz; Bartac Viejo, Bingawan, Carles, Calinog, Lambunao and Lemery in the province of Iloilo; Don Salvador Benedicto, Hinoba-an, and La Castellana in Negros Occidental; and Libacao and Madalag in the province of Aklan.

Project accomplishments as of November 30, 2011 covering 2010-2011, showed the municipalities of Jamindan in Capiz; Ajuy, Concepcion, Janiuay, Maasin, San Dionisio and San Rafel in the province of Iloilo; Moises Padilla, La Castellan and Toboso in Negros Occidental showed a total grant fund releases of P137.5 million.

Brigoli said the 4Ps hopes to expand to 282,444 household beneficiaries in 2012 from additional 32 towns in Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental from an existing 173,669 in 86 municipalities. The fund releases to beneficiaries amounted to P1.65 billion since 2008 until December 2011.