THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is calling its clients to never succumb to individuals asking to get a share from the assistance that they have received from the agency.

“When we release the assistance, it is intended to help that person or his immediate family. It should never be given to anybody else,” said Judith Tanate, head of the Crisis Intervention Unit of DSWD Field Office VI.

This call was issued when one DSWD client reportedly claimed that after receiving the assistance, she was made to encash her check in a grocery store and only retained P7,000 instead of the P25,000 which was the actual amount of assistance.

According to Tanate, the releasing of assistance—which could be for medical, burial or transportation—is one of the regular programs of the department under the Aids to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). Source of funds can either be from the DSWD budget or from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of legislators. For burial, the immediate family usually goes to the agency for assistance. For medical, either the patient himself or the immediate member of the family is the one asking for help.

Releasing of such is done in two modes; first, through releasing of checks; and second, by paying the client in cash. Prior to release of funds, however, the DSWD assesses the documents.

“Whether by check or in cash, we always inform our clients of the amount they will receive. The full amount is given to them by our social workers. Correspondingly, our clients are made to sign in the voucher to attest that they have received the exact amount due to them. Nevertheless, we advise all our clients to be extra vigilant so they will not be victimized by those who want to take advantage of them,” said Tanate.

NOT IN CAHOOTS WITH ANYONE

As per records, the DSWD has released P25,000 to Isabel Galon Cataluña on March 8, 2013 intended as financial assistance for eye surgery of her father, Nilo Galon.

Macapobre said that, “The DSWD has done its part in releasing the assistance and was not remiss of its duty in any way.”

As to the utilization of the money and what was done after the release, it is beyond DSWD’s control. Clients are instructed during the releasing of check that it should be encashed with the Landbank of the Philippines which is our depositing bank. Further, they are reminded of the purpose why funds are released to them, added Macapobre.

Macapobre also challenged the office of Nava to undertake necessary investigation on reports that his staff has retained some amount after encashment. She made an assurance that the DSWD will cooperate with him in the conduct of the investigation./dswd6