IBAJAY, Aklan-Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Mateo Montaño yesterday (November 7) held a dialogue with barangay leaders of Nabas and Ibajay.
“DSWD has always aimed of reaching sitios, barangays and villages. We are now realizing this dream as we are reaching all the people even in far-flung and mountainous areas through Pantawid Pamilya, KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP and Sustainable Livelihood program. The government is now going closer to where the people are,” said Montaño in front of barangay leaders.
The activity was also witnessed by Congressman Teodorico Haresco and Governor Florencio “Joven” Miraflores who opened an extension office of the Congressional District at Casa Prima, Ibajay, Aklan.
During the dialogue, Montaño assured retroactive payment to social pensioners from January to December of this year.
Social Pension is the monthly stipend amounting to P500 to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens. It is in-line with the fulfillment of the obligation of the government to protect the most vulnerable sector through social protection, and for the full implementation of the Republic Act No. 9994.
He also disclosed that the agency will be having a higher coverage in 2015.
Social Pension is the monthly stipend amounting to Five Hundred Pesos (Php 500.00) to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens. It is in-line with the fulfillment of the obligation of the government to protect the most vulnerable sector through social protection, and for the full implementation of the Republic Act No. 9994.
P70,000 OR P30,000?
Montaño also clarified issues on initial reports that the government will be releasing P70,000 to those with totally damaged houses.
“The budget for partially damaged houses (in emergency shelter assistance) is not exceeding P10,000 and for totally damaged not exceeding P30,000. Yung narinig niyong P70,000 ay yung budget naming sa Core Shelter program. Kapag washed out ka, at kapag may nakita ang local government na relocation site, ang bawat recipient na patatayuan ng bahay ay magbibigay kami ng assistance na P70,000 para sa pagpapatayo ng bahay,”

COMMENDATION
Montaño also lauded the move of Haresco in bringing its congressional district office closer to the people.
“Usual offices are located in the vicinity of the Provincial Capitol. But this time, it is the government getting closer to the people,” he said.
He also said that the agency has been and will continue to work closely with the provincial government and the congressional office.

VALUE PROGRAMS, PUT TO GOOD USE
Montaño also called on barangay leaders to give importance and help in ensuring the programs are properly implemented down the ground.
“The government never stops in implementing and improving programs. Sana pahalagahan ninyo,” he said./dswd6/May Rago-Castillo