DWSD, other gov’t agencies ink memo for senior citizens, PWDs’ welfare

Executives of Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Budget Management, National Council on Disability Affairs and National Commission of Senior Citizens sign the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2023 for senior citizens and persons with disabilities on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. (Photo from the DSWD)

MANILA, Philippines — A memorandum for the welfare of senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) was signed this Friday, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

Citing Section 36 of the General Provisions (GP 36) under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), DSWD said all government agencies shall have plans, projects, or programs addressing the concerns of the elderlies and PWDs.

DSWD on Thursday said it is one of the signatories of the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC), along with Department of Budget Management (DBM), National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).

According to DSWD, JMC No. 1, Series of 2023, will ensure that government funds are rightfully allocated for senior citizens and PWDs.

“The JMC will strengthen the government’s planning and monitoring mechanisms to guarantee that a specific portion of the total budget of all government offices will be utilized for the welfare of older persons and persons with disability,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, co-spokesperson of DSWD said in a press release.

Dumlao said one of the main provisions of JMC is to create a technical working group composed of representatives from their department, NCDA, and NCSC.

The group will be assigned to consolidate the annual evaluation of GP 36 under FY 2023 GGA and in the succeeding years.

“It will also serve as a basis for future policy development since the JMC can be adopted in future legislations regarding the formulation of plans, programs, and projects intended to address the concerns of our vulnerable and marginalized kababayans (fellow citizens),” Dumlao added.

DSWD noted JMC likewise mandates NCSC and NCDA to submit their Agency Plan of Action addressing the concerns of their sectors for 2024 and years thereafter.

DBM will then use its submitted plans in the review and evaluation of their budget proposal for the succeeding year, DSWD added.

JMC further requires NCSC and NCDA to use their grievance mechanisms to gather feedback or complaints from their sectors.

These mechanisms include setting up information or grievance desks, and developing a web-based complaint management.

According to DSWD, the following are some of the programs, projects, activities, and services that can be used to address the concerns of the senior citizens and PWDs:

• Human resource development and capacity building programs
• Promotion and provision of employment opportunities
• Protection and safety programs
• Information, education, and communication materials and advocacies
• Policy development
• Research activities
• Improvement and maintenance of centers and facilities

JMC applies to all national government agencies, executive departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, commissions, and state universities and colleges.

Also included are government financial institutions, government-owned and controlled corporations, and local government units.

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