THE Mandaue City Government has called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to clarify its coordination process with barangays, following incidents where City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) personnel were barred from entering venues of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) payouts in at least three barangays.
City Administrator Jamaal James Calipayan questioned why CSWS personnel who were present to provide medical and logistical support upon the request of the DSWD were not allowed entry by barangay officials during scheduled payouts in Barangays Banilad, Pagsabungan, and Opao on Friday, April 11, 2025.
“What exactly is the agreement between the DSWD and the barangays? Why was CSWS barred when they were simply doing their job?” Calipayan asked in an interview.
The CSWS and City Health personnel were sent to the venues based on a letter from the DSWD dated April 2, which requested assistance from the City Government during payouts across Mandaue.
Calipayan said the City’s role was limited to supporting the DSWD, particularly in providing medical teams and ensuring an orderly distribution process.
Barangay officials claimed they had not been informed about the City’s involvement, resulting in delays of several hours.
In Barangay Banilad, senior citizens waited from 8 a.m. until noon before the payouts began after the situation was resolved.
Calipayan believes the move may have been politically motivated.
“It clearly appears to be a political move. Our CSWS personnel were simply performing their duties. No politicians were involved in the team, and yet they were blocked,” he said.
He added that the City is considering filing cases for direct assault against the barangay officials involved, citing the obstruction and intimidation of personnel performing official functions.
“We already instructed our legal office to investigate. There is a clear memo from the mayor, a request from DSWD, and yet they were denied entry multiple times despite repeated appeals. This may constitute direct assault,” Calipayan said.
He also called on the DSWD to respond clearly and take accountability.
“Please answer, so you don’t become an accessory. We asked you, but so far there has been no clear response,” he said.
SunStar Cebu tried to reach the DSWD for comment, but received no response as of press time. / CAV