Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo today led formal ceremonies in the DSWD Central Office to mark her administration’s first 100 days in office.

Dubbed “Unang 100 Araw ng Pagbabago”, the event was primarily focused on Sec. Taguiwalo’s insights on her first 100 days as head of the welfare agency – the challenges she faced learning the ropes of her new offices; the problems she saw in how the department functioned and how its various programs are being   implemented;  and, how, despite the challenges in the department, so many officials and rank and file employees are deeply committed to their work and to serving beneficiaries.

“It’s been 100 days since we began our work in the DSWD, but it really feels like it’s been more than that. I have learned so much about the department and it has become all the more clearer now what our work here should be: ensure that the department is able to function as best and as efficiently  as it can so we can serve the Filipino people better. As the national government’s lead welfare agency, the tasks of the DSWD to serve the poor are myriad and heavy: we are up to challenge, and we promise to do our work as honestly, as efficiently, and as quickly as possible,” Sec. Taguiwalo said.

In the coming weeks, Sec. Taguiwalo is set to announce the relaunch of DSWD’s three main programs. The three – Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps); Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS); and, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP)- as they merged under what is called the “Convergence “ scheme wherein all three programs will be implemented in close coordination with each other so more beneficiaries will be able to access them.

Sec. Taguiwalo is also set to begin a revalidation campaign of the 4Ps program by visiting 4Ps households and establishing a new program for families in transition. This will be guided by the principle of “Yung bago ay malawak na kumustahan sa mga 4Ps households at pagbubuo ng programa para sa mga pamilyang transitioning “gikan sa masa, para sa masa.”

Sec. Taguiwalo has been consistently  announcing that she wants her administration in the DSWD to focus on helping Filipinos gain access to sustainable livelihood opportunities so they can eventually gain economic independence and become resilient against economic shocks.

“What means and resources the department has will be utilized to benefit the poorest of the poor in Philippine society, and to assist all other Filipinos who are need of emergency  assistance. It is not just during calamities that the DSWD is active – it actively helps Filipinos on a daily basis by providing emergency assistance, social interventions, and information on how to go about accessing the services and programs of other government agencies,” she said.

“We will release information on the mechanics of the SLP and Kalahi-CIDSS and the plans for both programs in the coming weeks. We want these programs to become better and more meaningful use to the Filipino people by ensuring that they are also venues of education and genuine empowerment,” Sec. Taguiwalo said.

Finally, Sec. Taguiwalo announced that immediately after the first 100 days,  the DSWD leadership will go about putting  together the department’s strategic plan for the years 2017 to 2022.  In essence, this strategic plan will mirror what was begun in the first 100 days which are encapsulated in six calls: swift and compassionate service to the people; service that gives no room for corruption; equal treatment of communities; ethical government service; assistance to those affected by armed conflict; and genuine empowerment of communities.

“The DSWD also aims to contribute to the national government’s efforts to improve economic status and standing of the poor, as well as support the ongoing efforts to bring about a just and lasting peace in the Philippines through reforms,” she concluded.#