DSWD billions available for Cordillera LGU programs

By Dionisio Dennis Jr.

BAGUIO CITY -- Social Welfare Undersecretary for Luzon Affairs Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso has urged local chief executives in the Cordillera Administrative Region to speed up submission of their priority projects and programs to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for funding.

Moreno, who was speaker at the LGU forum here last week, said the DSWD has funds for such like setting up of barangay clinics, health centers, drugstores, and assistance for barangay health workers.

 He said the department provides funds on a first-come, first-served basis.

He urged LGUs and communities to take immediate action and identify priority projects before other regions get remaining funds.

 “I'm calling the attention of the LGUs, especially the community, to immediately look and identify their priority projects so that the agency can allot funds,” Moreno said.

 He said the department spent P28 billion for different projects, but has a few more billions to shell out.

“The government has allotted these funds to address the problems of the community,” he said.

In an interview, DSWD-Cordillera Director Janet Armas said at least 102 community-driven projects in the region have not received funding.

“These projects were identified during our participatory situation map analysis,” Armas said. “We are asking them to finish the community empowerment activity cycle process so we can accept their proposals for them to avail of grants for their projects.”

The forum was attended by local chief executives in Cordillera, who expressed gratitude to the DSWD and Moreno for their continued support and assistance. -- PNA