Imee Marcos questions relevance of children’s welfare body

MANILA,  Philippines — Neophyte Senator Imee Marcos questioned on Tuesday the continued existence and relevance of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) which was created during the time of her father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

CWC is one of  the attached  agencies  of the  Department  of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

During the hearing of  the Senate finance subcommittee on  DSWD’s budget nxet year,  Marcos repeatedly  asked  about the current relevance of the CWC.

At  first,  CWC Planning Officer Normina Mojica explained that their office is  in charge of  the coordination of all laws  on children.

Their biggest accomplishment, she said, would be polices and plans on children .

But  Sen.  Marcos pressed further, noting that the proposed budget of  the agency  is more on capital outlay more than on accomplishments

“You are a small office. But you know  small offices are in danger of extinction right now because of the rightsizing policy of the President,” she said.

“If we can’t lay claim to any significant law or program or policy,  you’re at threat.  I’m not scaring you  but I am simply  saying  that  you have to lay claim to some kind of accomplishment otherwise I don’t  think we can ask for any budget at all.”

Mojica reiterated that CWC’s main mandate is to serve as  the coordinating body  “in terms of the compliance report.”

“Nalito na ako. Kanina  policy formulations, ngayon kayo na ang monitoring and evaluation? Tama ba. Ang liit-liit ng office nyo,  paano kayo magmomonitor sa buong Pilipinas?” the senator asked.

(I’m  now confused.  Earlier,  you said policy formulations. Now, you’re saying monitoring and evaluation. Right?  You are a small office, how can you monitor the entire Philippines?)

When the official tried  to reason to further explain the CWC’s role,  Marcos said: “Hindi-hindi nakaka-bipolar  yang sinasabi nyo (No, no.  I’m becoming bipolar with what you’re saying)

“On one hand, policy. On the other hand may  program na binanggit pagkatapos may compliance report.  O alin ba talaga? (you’re talking of a program and then there’s compliance report. Which is which?),”  Marcos asked.

“Relevant pa ba yan? Yun ang tanong, relevant pa ba yan (Is it still relevant?  That’s the question.  Is it still relevant) considering there are so many bodies. DSWD  has evolved into all sorts of institutions. It’s no longer just one DSWD, ang dami nang ginagampanan e.  So kelangan pa ba yan?” (It’s no longer just one DSWD, there are so many functions now. So do we still need it?)

Mojica insisted there is still need  for the agency to protect the welfare of the children.

In the end, the senator just directed  the  agency to submit its accomplishments to the Senate.

The panel also  approved  later  the budget of the  DSWD  for plenary consideration.  /muf