DSWD-7 resolves 93% of 4Ps issues in 2018

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas has intensified its efforts in responding to several concerns from beneficiaries of its banner program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.

Joan Florabell Felicio, DSWD 7 regional grievance officer, said the office aims to fast track the resolution of these complaints that vary from payout problems to misbehavior of beneficiaries.

DSWD 7 adopts the newly-established mechanism - the Grievance Redress System (GRS), which is used as primary means to address and resolve issues and complaints related to project implementation of 4Ps.

According to its 2018 data, DSWD 7 resolved 6,342 complaints or 93.69 percent out of the 6,769 total cases. The remaining 427 cases are still being settled this year.

“Out of the 6,769 total cases received, we were able to get a resolution rate of 93.69 percent and the 6.84 percent of ongoing cases are within the timeline,” she said.

The same data showed that majority of the complaints revolve around payment-related issues.

Other types of grievances are misbehavior of beneficiary; ineligibility for a certain individual under the 4Ps; and complaint on staff performance, among others.

Felicio said the GRS was also intended as a venue for beneficiaries and the public to air their concerns, complaints and suggestions so as to improve the program.

Apart from the GRS method, she said DSWD 7 also set up offsite help desk and home visits in order to lessen the number of complaints.

She said grievance officers in the field have been conducting different activities such as the installation of help desks during the Pantawid Pamilya payout.

She added the beneficiaries are allowed to raise their concerns and are given immediate feedback by the workers.

DSWD 7 also conducted random home visits and attended in the family development sessions to reorient the beneficiaries on the program guidelines, especially on the proper usage of cash grants and corresponding sanctions on the misuse of grants.

Moreover, Felicio encouraged the public to relay their concerns or any issue regarding the malpractices of some that take advantage of the program by reporting them through the city and municipal links or to the regional office.

The public can also email DSWD through [email protected] or text their complaints through the hotline number 09189122813 with the following text format: DSWD<space>4Ps<space> Name of Beneficiary<space> Message. (FREEMAN)