Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo reiterated that since July 1,  the DSWD has embarked on an intensive review of all programs and services, with the  Typhoon Yolanda disaster operations as a priority.

“We all know that there  were several negative issues on the massive disaster response operations for survivors of ‘Yolanda’ which hit the country in 2013.  We want to know what went wrong so we will not repeat these,”  Sec. Taguiwalo pointed out.

The results of the assessment will serve as basis for the new management to come up with new programs/projects, if needed; enhance the existing programs;  and, expedite the implementation of the different recovery and rehabilitation services.

The Secretary also said that the Department welcomes the audit findings of the Commission on Audit (COA)  on the implementation of the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA).

“We also want transparency in all our programs.  DSWD will review the COA report and validate the information provided.  Any anomalous action or neglect on the selection of beneficiaries or on the over-all implementation process will be dealt with appropriately,” Sec. Taguiwalo strongly stated.

“Lagi nating tandaan na ang DSWD at iba pang ahensiya ng gobyerno ay mga instrumento upang maipadaloy ang tulong sa mga nangangailangan.  Anumang pagkakamali o pagkukulang na naging dahilan para hindi ganap at maayos ang pagpapatupad nito ay dapat suriing mabuti (Let us always remember that the DSWD and other government agencies are instruments to deliver aid to those who need it most. Anything that has hampered the prompt delivery of these services should be scrutinized),” the Secretary further said.

DSWD assures the public that the Department adheres to transparency and supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign versus graft and corruption.

Sec. Taguiwalo also vowed to immediately provide a report to the public once the assessment and validation activities are done.

In the meantime, the public and the media  may continue to send to DSWD their fact-based inquiries, complaints, and grievances so that the Department can act immediately. ###