DSWD to act on reported aid payout irregularities in Mindanao

DSWD. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday said that it is taking steps to improve its distribution of government aid following reports of an alleged irregularities in parts of Mindanao.

In a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa bared that there were reports of some unscrupulous individuals forcibly taking part of beneficiaries’ aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte.

DSWD co-spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the department is “strengthening its coordination with law enforcement agencies.”

This is to “ensure the safe and secure conduct of payouts as we also strengthen our grievance mechanisms to address complaints from beneficiaries,” Dumlao told Inquirer.net.

“We will continuously inform and educate beneficiaries regarding the assistance that they are receiving,” she added.

During the hearing, it was revealed that over 60 beneficiaries in Mindanao had part of their cash aid taken from them.

Dumlao noted that the DSWD is likewise open to inputs and recommendations of all stakeholders to review the guidelines on the distribution of the AICS.