The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol, in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol, presented its 2024 accomplishments at the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum held earlier today. The event, attended by 33 media practitioners, provided a vital platform for the agency to highlight the extensive impact of its programs and initiatives across the region.

DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio presented several key accomplishments, emphasizing the department’s unwavering commitment to social welfare and community development.

“Our achievements are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our entire team, as well as the invaluable partnerships we have forged with local government units, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. Together, we have been able to implement programs and initiatives that have had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families,” said Laurio.

In the region, the government allocated P9.19 billion to benefit 387,093 individuals under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, with P2.77 billion disbursed as cash grants for 382,171 beneficiaries as of May 2024.

In the realm of KALAHI-CIDSS Programs, the Philippine Multi-Nutritional Project (PMNP) benefited 52,629 households and supported 950 sub-projects with a total disbursement of P437.8M. Additionally, the NCDDP-AF program reached 631,620 households and funded 3,173 sub-projects with P1.6B. The KKB program aided 184 households and one sub-project, distributing a total of P12.8M.

The Social Pension Program successfully served 84,627 beneficiaries, disbursing P507.8M to aid elderly citizens. Furthermore, the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program supported 148,549 clients with a fund disbursement of P956.81M.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program served 2,239 beneficiaries, with P35.2M disbursed to support their initiatives.

In terms of new programs, the Food Stamp Program served 190 beneficiaries, with P2.3M disbursed. The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) reached 9,917 beneficiaries, with P29.745M allocated to assist those in need. El Niño Disaster Response Operations provided assistance to 74,157 families from 34 municipalities and 866 barangays, amounting to P20.2 million in aid and distributing 29,209 family food packs. Additionally, the Disaster Response Services catered to 103,028 families, with a total expenditure of P71.4M.

Looking ahead, DSWD Bicol plans to target 24,578 beneficiaries in Camarines Sur and 5,977 in Sorsogon in 2024, with a fund allocation of P91.6M for the Food Stamp Program. By 2025, the program will expand to six provinces, aiming to assist 74,448 beneficiaries with a P2.6B allocation. The Cash for Work initiative aims to support 3,140 Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and 300 students. The department also plans to drive community-driven climate action across six provinces and 102 municipalities, with a substantial allocation of P5.1B, including projects LAWA and BINHI.

The event aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to spotlight government achievements at the regional level. Organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) through the PIA, the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forums aim to provide a platform for Cabinet members and regional directors to discuss their accomplishments and future plans under the current administration.

As DSWD Bicol continues to make strides in social welfare and community development, forums like these play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and fostering a well-informed public. The achievements highlighted today are a testament to the department’s hard work and dedication to improving the lives of Filipinos in the Bicol region.