ILOILO City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas assured the public that its programs and services will continue despite the elections.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) granted the Department’s petition for the exemption of its routine and normal expenses from the prohibition against the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds as stated in Comelec Resolution No. 10747, according to DSWD Region 6 director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre.
“This means Ilonggos can avail themselves of our services and will get their much needed aid even during the election ban,” said Macapobre.
The regional director emphasized that DSWD is non-partisan.
“We remain non-political. Our services continue regardless of people’s political affiliation,” said Macapobre.
DSWD programs covered by Comelec Resolution No. 10747 are the following:
* Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
* Sustainable Livelihood Program
* Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services
* Inclusive and Sustainable Peace (Programs for the Insurgents/Rebels)
* Protective Services
The procurement for Information Technology equipment, support to operations, and other administrative services are also exempted from the prohibition on public spending. (With a report from DSWD-6)/PN
