In its continuing efforts to uplift the condition of poor and marginalized Filipinos, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) joins the Duterte administration’s call for solidarity to address the roots of poverty and deliver the ten basic needs of the people – food, land reform, water, shelter, healthcare, education, work and national industrialization, social protection, healthy environment, peace, and people’s participation.

Over the weekend, the DSWD led by Undersecretary for Promotive Programs Malou Turalde-Jarabe and Assistant Secretary for the Office of the Secretary Group (OSG) Aleli Bawagan, attended the launch of the “Kilos SAMBAYANAN (Kilos para sa Sampung Batayang Pangangailangan)” in Brgy. 286, Del Pan, Tondo, Manila to present the anti-poverty initiatives of the Department and unite with other agencies of the Human Development and Poverty Reduction (HDPR) Cluster of the national government to address the needs of the people.

The Kilos SAMBAYANAN campaign is a collaborative effort between the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s (NAPC), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Philippine Information Authority (PIA) and agency members of the HDPR Cluster.

As per Executive Order no. 43, s. 2011, the HDPR Cluster, composed of various line agencies,  is mandated to focus on improving the overall quality of life of the Filipino by translating the gains of good governance into direct, immediate, and substantial benefits that will empower the poor and marginalized segments of society.

Through Asec. Bawagan, DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo conveyed her message of support to the flagship campaign and called for the need for a convergence of programs and massive information campaign to bring the services to the masses.

“Sa ilalim po ni Pangulong Digong, pinagsisikapan po nating tumindig sa hamon na lutasin ang mga problema ng mga mahihirap na bumubuo ng mayorya ng ating mamamayan(Under President Digong, we are trying to rise to the challenge of addressing the problems of poor Filipinos which comprise majority of our population),” she said.

“Sa bahagi ng gobyerno, kailangang paghusayin namin ang paglilingkod sa sambayanan at ang aktibidad na ito ngayong araw ay isa sa mga hakbang na nakita natin na maaaring gawin. Kailangan ilapit po talaga sa inyo ang gobyerno at palawakin pa ang impormasyon tungkol sa mga serbisyo at programa ng pamahalaan (For the part of the government, this activity serves as one of the measures to help bring the services of the government and provide information to the people),” she added.

Meanwhile, Usec. Turalde-Jarabe provided a brief background of the information caravan activity of the Department which aims to disseminate the various programs and services of the DSWD such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program that provides burial, medical, educational, and transportation assistance to Filipinos in need.

Aside from the presentation of the different programs to address the ten basic needs of the people, government agencies installed information booths and offered free medical and dental services which can be availed by the community.

Lastly, a  mural was unveiled at the end of the event to signify the commitment of all involved agencies and the public to work hand-in-hand to alleviate poverty and its root causes. #