DSWD taps Manila SK execs in educational, medical assistance drive

Social Welfare Usec. for Luzon Affairs Isko Moreno discussed how SK officials can help families organize their requirements in applying for social welfare assistance from the government agency. Photos by Julius N. Leonen / INQUIRER.net

Youth voters have repeatedly called out candidates running in the 2018 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections who had nothing but basketball leagues, parties and pageants in mind as proposed council projects.

Nearly eight years since the last SK election amid the implementation of reforms, voters have taken to social media to express the growing clamor for better youth participation in local governance and in nation-building.

With this in mind following the conclusion of the youth elections, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) decided to tap the youth in bringing social welfare services to poor families.

The DSWD convened over 800 Manila SK chairpersons on June 3, Sunday, at the Palacio de Maynila in Malate to discuss how they can help bring educational and medical assistance closer to the marginalized sector.

During the meeting, DSWD Usec. for Luzon Affairs Isko Moreno discussed how SK officials can help families organize their requirements in applying for social welfare assistance from the government agency.

For instance, educational assistance may be provided to college students coming from families who were suffering from financial crises. On the other hand, medical assistance may be availed by any poverty-stricken family.

Requirements for educational assistance include school registration certificate, school ID, barangay certificate, and indigency certificate or any valid ID.

In availing medical assistance, youth officials should compile an applicant’s medical certificate, medical bill, prescription, barangay certificate, indigency certificate or any valid ID.

Moreno, who was recently appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to the DSWD, said that utilizing youth officials can help expedite access of poor families to these programs.

“Upon assumption of public office, these youth officials can help us in bringing these programs closer to the people,” Moreno told INQUIRER.net in an interview.

“These youth representatives can assist their fellow community members in going to the DSWD and help them comply with the requirements to enjoy the benefits of these programs,” the DSWD official said.

Likewise, Moreno said that SK officials would have direct access to the DSWD Metro Manila field office along Legarda Street in Manila.