MANILA ---Personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday conducted information caravan at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila to warn the public against any candidates who are using DSWD programs to gain leverage in the upcoming Barangay (village) and Sanguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections.
DSWD Central Office personnel distributed information materials in the area and cited agency's programs and services that cannot be claimed by any candidates as their own.
Some of the information placards carried by DSWD personnel read, "Ang programa ng DSWD ay para sa mamamayan at hindi para sa iilan (DSWD program is for all and not only for the few)", and "DSWD suportado ang Malinis at Maayos na Barangay and SK Election" (DSWD supports a clean and orderly Barangay and SK elections).
Leaflets contained information regarding the selection for beneficiaries of pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), KALAHI-CIDDS and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) which are done through validation process and not by any incumbent or candidates for public offices. The information materials also indicated that the validation process are done by the social workers and DSWD.
The information materials also mentioned that any assistance extended by the agency under its Assistance to Individuals under Crisis Situation cannot also be influenced by any barangay official.
The distribution of information material was in line with earlier call of the agency to barangay re-electionists and candidates to refrain from spreading false information to influence the electorate.
"They cannot remove or have community residents removed or delisted from the 4Ps or other programs of DSWD if these residents do not vote for them,” DSWD Officer-in-Charge Emmanuel Leyco said in a earlier interview. (PNA)
