Some 9,742 clients are currently being served in the different 71 residential and non-residential facilities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the country utilizing P165,495,966.30 from January to June 2017.

Of the total centers, 27 cater to children, 15 for women, 15 for the youth, four for older persons,  eight for persons with disabilities,  and two for individuals/families in need or in crisis situations.

DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo said, “These facilities serve those who had been disadvantaged by their circumstances or victimized by unscrupulous individuals/groups.  The type of clients who we try to give our utmost service are the abandoned and/or abused children and elderly; raped and/or trafficked victims; children in conflict with the law (CICL); homeless and victims of incest; and persons with disabilities.”

Sec. Taguiwalo shared that the work of staff in the centers is difficult and highly critical as the main objective is to help the individual client recover from what he or she has gone through and rehabilitate him or her for her eventual reintegration with his or her family and community. Interventions in residential and non-residential facilities must be appropriate to the situation of the clients, thus, individual case management is done by the social workers.

The Secretary added, “Although the work is hard and delicate in our centers and institutions, improvement of the structures came few and far between with fund allocation sometimes not even enough.  This year, our total budget for the 71 facilities is P603,472,719.22 which is just enough for the most basic expenses.  In cases where there are more clients coming in than the annual plan, the center head will have to compensate through tightening their budget.  Some of the centers, especially those for children and the elderly, are more fortunate as they periodically receive donations to help them cope with emergency situations.”

DSWD also noted other issues which need to be addressed in the efficient management of its centers, primarily the lack of social workers, house parents, nurses, and psychologists for a complete management of the cases of the clients.  Engineers and architects are also needed for the enhancement of the establishments.

“We also lack facilities to cater to children with special needs, as DSWD manages only one  center for that, which is the Elsie Gaches Village in Alabang, Muntinlupa.  Furthermore, we have insufficient service vehicles assigned per center and residential care facility. Service vehicles are very important especially in emergency cases,” Sec. Taguiwalo added.

Under her leadership, Sec. Taguiwalo vows to prioritize the improvement of the facilities of the Department in recognition of the distinct and significant contribution to its direct impact to the lives of the clients.

“We will do our best to request for additional funding for our facilities so that improvements can be achieved, even a little at a time.  We would also like to thank the donors for their continued support, as the centers really need them.” ###