Mandaue to adapt DSWD’s assistance program

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Council has authorized Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the implementation of protective services programs in the city.

Councilor Carmelino Del Mar, who authored the resolution, said the city government has ensured that indigents are provided with the necessary assistance to help them cope during crisis situations.

The program is part of DSWD protective services for the poor, marginalized and vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals.

Del Mar said that through its Protective Services Program, the DSWD offers various types of assistance to those in need, which include the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

Under AICS, the DSWD provides medical, educational, burial and transportation assistance to persons/families in crisis situations, specifically those belonging to the informal sector and other poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged individuals.

Del Mar said that Sixth District Rep. Jonas Cortes already encouraged barangay officials by deputizing members of his district staff to coordinate and give importance to the project.

"The people of Mandaue are expected to be benefitted by the program," Del Mar added.

Mandaue City aims to strictly adhere to the provisions of DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 9-2016.

Among others, the memorandum stipulates that a local chief executive should be given authority by the City Council to sign and enter into an agreement with the regional director of DSWD, as well as for the local government unit to provide material and financial support for the project as counterpart. (FREEMAN)