Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian (File photo)
MANILA – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian intends to continue meeting with more local chief executives in the coming weeks to improve the coordination level with local government units (LGUs) and determine other areas for partnership.
This, after Gatchalian met with Agusan del Norte’s local chief executives (LCEs), led by Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante on March 18 to strengthen the delivery of social protection programs and services in the province.
“I would like to discuss with you our other programs, because we do not like our image to just be the provider of disaster aid. We have programs like the Kabit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Service ((KALAHI-CIDSS) and the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which I think will help your constituents better," Gatchalian told local executives.
During the visit, the DSWD, through its Field Office (FO) in Caraga, distributed financial assistance for families affected by recent floods and global inflation at the Father Saturnino Urios University gymnasium in Butuan City.
Gatchalian personally led the distribution of assistance to 3,680 families under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
The payout activity was also graced by DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga, Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose Aquino II and Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada.
Gatchalian is expected to visit more provinces in the coming days to discuss poverty alleviation programs of the government being implemented by the DSWD with other local chief executives.(PNA)
