In line with the directives of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to assist the families of soldiers killed in action/wounded in action (KIA/WIA), social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continue to conduct home visits to the soldiers and their families for possible counselling, medical, financial and other appropriate services according to their needs.

To date, social workers  have already visited 53 out of the 95 families of KIA/WIA soldiers. The families are from the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions I, II, III, IV-B, V, VI, X, XII and the Negros Island Region.

The social workers continue to locate the other families in their declared addresses.

Most of the evaluated soldiers were recommended for livelihood, extended financial and medical assistance and inclusion to DSWD’s programs such as the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens for their parents.

Currently, the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) has given initial financial assistance  that covers for the educational, transportation, medical and food subsidy to the soldiers and their dependents.

If deemed necessary, the Department is ready to provide more resources for them as directed by DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo.

“Almost all of the soldiers assessed by our social workers lack the resources for daily subsistence because their salaries are not enough to sustain the needs of their families. DSWD is ready to provide extended aid to them. However, what we really want is a just and lasting peace to prevent any social injustice and where people’s rights are protected and promoted,” Sec. Taguiwalo said. ###