The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has broadened its accessibility to the public by opening additional hotline numbers that are available seven days a week. This is great news because it means people can now get in touch with the DSWD on Saturdays and Sundays.
Amid the pandemic, the Agency Operations Center (AOC) of the DSWD is now open from Mondays to Sundays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm for calls.
Two new Smart numbers – 0943-4648026 and 0943-4648086 – as well as two Globe numbers – 0995-7153926 and 0995-7153934 – are now accessible for queries, questions, or even complaints.
In a statement issued by DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, he said that “in our effort to provide better public service, we have opened these lines up so that our clients can reach us whenever they need help”
He added that this was done in order to protect the public from fake news and misinformation by making sure they relied on official channels for accurate information and response.
Do you have a QUESTION, WEAKNESS, or COMPLAINT about DSWD programs and services
You may call the hotline numbers of DSWD Agency Operations Center (AOC), from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, daily, including weekends and holidays!
What is DSWD?
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is the lead government agency in the Philippines responsible for protecting and promoting the social welfare and well-being of Filipinos, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. The DSWD provides various programs and services such as disaster relief, livelihood assistance, health insurance coverage, social protection, poverty alleviation, among others. It also works closely with other government agencies to ensure that all citizens are able to access basic services.
For more information on DSWD programs & services visit www.dswd.gov.ph or follow their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/dswdserves/. You may also call their hotline numbers for inquiries or concerns regarding their services.
Summary
DSWD reminds everyone to rely only on official platforms like their Facebook and Twitter accounts at @dswdserves, or send email messages to inquiry@dswd.gov.ph. The old hotlines of 0932-9333251 and 0918912281 are also still active for call and text messages respectively.
By providing more hotline numbers plus other information sites accessible, the Department hopes to provide Filipinos with resources they need during these trying times.
Please check out the post below of this official announcement as shared on the DSWD official Facebook Page:
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offers a variety of eServices that aim to provide efficient and convenient service to the public. These services include online registration for social welfare and development programs, online filing of complaints, online donation tracking, and more. The DSWD website also provides a wealth of information on its various programs and services.
If you are interested in discovering more about these eServices, how you can avail of them, and what they can do for you, continue reading so you can make the most out of the online platform and know how to avail of these services.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offers several services that can be accessed online by the public. These services are called eServices, and they include online applications for assistance from the government agency.
The DSWD eServices is an online application system that aims to make it easier for people to access DSWD services. The DSWD eServices also makes it easier for people to register, license, and accredit social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) and service providers (SPs), so they can provide better services to their communities. Another service they offer is the processing and issuance of a travel clearance for minors traveling abroad.
Registration, Licensing and Accreditation of SWDAs
Through the DSWD’s Standards Bureau and Field Office Standards Section, the agency ensures that the programs and services of its social welfare agencies are conducted in a proper and ethical manner.
Private SWDA – Those that are managed by local government agencies are exempted from licensing and registration. But, they must still be accredited to provide SWD programs and services.
Registration
The registration process is carried out to determine if the organization’s intended purpose is within the scope of SWD. Once the determination is made, the agency will be included in the Department’s registry of SWDAs. After all of the requirements have been satisfied, a Certificate of Registration will be issued.
Licensing
The licensing process is a process that involves assessing the qualifications of certain SWDAs and authorizing them to operate as SWAs or auxiliary SWDAs. After they have complied with the prescribed requirements, a license to operate will be issued.
Accreditation
The accreditation process is carried out to evaluate the quality of SWD programs and services offered by licensed private social welfare agencies and public welfare organizations. After that, a certificate of accreditation will be issued to show that the providers have met the Department’s standards.
Objectives
The agency is tasked with monitoring and enforcing SWD standards to public and private organizations in the country, through registration licensing.
To ensure that organizations engaging in SWD activities do not exploit or neglect the people they are serving.
To recognize the vital contributions of private and public SWDAs in the promotion of the welfare of the poor, disadvantaged, and vulnerable individuals, families and communities; and
To promote transparency and accountability of SWDAs to their respective donors, clients and general public.
Legal Bases
Section 4 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10847 of 2016 (An Act Lowering the Age Requirement for Applicants taking the Board Examination for Social Workers, Providing for Continuing Social Work Education, and Upgrading the Sundry Provisions relative to the Practice of Social Work)
Section 26 of Rule V of Professional Regulatory Board for Social Workers Resolution No. 03 series of 2017 (Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 4373, otherwise known as an Act to Regulate the Practice of Social Work and the Operation of Social Work Agencies in the Philippines and for other Purposes, as amended by RA Nos. 5175 and 10847)
Article IV of Sections 24 and 25 of RA 4373 of 1965 (An Act to Regulate the Practice of Social Work and the Operation of Social Work Agencies in the Philippines and for other Purposes)
Section 3 of RA No. 5416 of 1968 (Social Welfare Act of 1968)
Memorandum Circular No. 17 Series of 2018 “Revised Guidelines Governing the Registration, Licensing of Social Welfare and Development (SWD) Agencies and Accreditation of SWD Programs and Services”
Target Beneficiaries
1. Registration: Private agencies and organizations engaged or planning to engage in providing direct or indirect Social Welfare and Development (SWD) programs and services need to register with the Council.
2. Licensing: Only private SWDAs with valid registration and license to operate are eligible for pre-accreditation assessment.
3. Pre-accreditation assessment: Private SWDAs with valid registration and license to operate and public SWDAs.
Documentary Requirements
REGISTRATION
1. Duly Accomplished and Notarized Application Form
2. Updated Copy of Certificate of Registration and latest Articles of Incorporation and by-laws indicating that the organization’s primary purpose is within the purview of social welfare and development issued by SEC that gives a juridical personality to a non-stock non -profit organization to operate in the Philippines
3. Copy of any of the following:
Handbook or Manual Operations of its programs policies and procedures to attain its purposes
Brochure
Duly signed Work and Financial Plan for at least two (2) Years by the Head of Agency
LICENSING
For Applicants intending to operate
Basic Documents
* Duly Accomplished and Notarized Application Form
a) A certification of plan to hire the required Registered Social Worker (RSW) or staff complement; or b) Profile of Employees and volunteers, whichever is applicable
Manual of Operation containing the SWDAs program and administrative policies, procedures and strategies to attain its purpose/s among others.
Profile of Board of Trustees
2) Documents Establishing Corporate Existence and Regulatory
Certified true copy of General Information Sheet issued by SEC
Notarized certification from the Board of Trustees and/or the funding agency to financially support the organization’s capacity to operate for at least two 2 years
Work and Financial Plan for the two (2) succeeding years
For Applicants Already Implementing Prior Its Application
Mandatory Requirements
Basic Documents
Duly Accomplished and Notarized Application Form
Manual of Operation containing the SWDAs program and administrative policies, procedures and strategies to attain its purpose/s among others.
Profile of Board of Trustees
Profile of Employees and Volunteers
a. For Social Work Agency, to consider the following staff requirement:
a.1 At least one (1) RSW to supervise and take charge of its social work functions for residential care agencies and community based agencies that caters to beneficiaries that requires social case management.
a.2 For Center Based (Residential Based), to observe the caseload requirement of client ratio of the social worker and house parent
a.3 For Center Based (Non-Residential Based), to observe at least one full time social worker for drop in center, processing center and vocational rehabilitation center while for senior citizens center and the like, a part-time social worker is considered.
a.4 For Community Based, implementing community development or community organizing, any of the following shall be hired in full/part time basis per region:
a.4.1. Graduate of Bachelor Degree in Social Work or Community Development; or
a.4.2. Other professionals who have at least three (3) year work experiences in the field of social welfare and development
b. For Auxiliary SWDA, at least one (1) full time staff who will manage its operations
Documents Establishing Corporate Existence and Regulatory Compliance
Certified true copy of General Information Sheet issued by SEC
Certification of no derogatory information issued by SEC (for those operating more than six (6) months upon filing of the application)
ABSNET Membership Certification from the Regional ABSNET (RAB) President or Chairperson of the Cluster ABSNET (CAB) or the authorized ABSNET Officer attesting the active ABSNET membership of the applicant SWDA. (Not applicable for first time applicants)
Declaration of Commitment from the applicant SWDA of no support to tobacco in compliance with provisions of Executive Order No. 26 of 2017 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-Free Environments in Public and Enclosed Places) and RA No. 9211 Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003)
Documents Establishing Track Record and Good Standing
Duly signed Work and Financial Plan for the two (2) succeeding years
Notarized certification from the Board of Trustees and/or the funding agency to financially support the organizations to operate for at least two (2) years
Annual Accomplishment Report of the previous year
Audited Financial Report of the previous year. Audited Financial Report submitted to SEC and/or Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) shall be accepted. However, financial report based on the DSWD template shall also be submitted. For those SWDAs with a total revenue of less than Php 500,000, an unaudited financial statement prepared by the Financial Officer and concurred by the Head of Agency may suffice.
Profile of clients/community being served for the preceding and current year
Profile of clients/community being served for the preceding and current year
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS (both for intending and already operating)
Basic Documents
For those operating in more than one region
List of main and satellite/branch offices with contact details, if any
Certified true copy of the notarized written agreement of partnership or cooperation between the agency and its partner agency e.g Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Contract of Partnership, among others
For Applicant SWA’s implementing Child Placement Services Certification from DSWD or photocopy of the certificate of training attended by the hired RSW related to child placement service.
Documents Establishing Corporate Existence and Regulatory Compliance
For those operating in more than one region validation report from concerned DSWD Field Office or Certification from Regional ABSNET/Cluster or LGUs attesting to the existence and status of operation of the organization in the area/s of jurisdiction. There is no need to get a validation report/certification of existence for the region where the main office of the applicant is located.
For Center Based (Residential Based and Non-Residential Based) Copy of the valid safety certificates namely:
Occupancy permit (only for new buildings) or Annual Building Inspection/Structural Safety Certificate (for old buildings)
Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
Water Potability Certificate or Sanitary Permit
For applicant serving within the Ancestral Domains of Indigenous People (P) – Photocopy of NGO Accreditation from the NCIP C.
Documents Establishing Track Record and Good Standing
For applicants with past and current partnerships with the DSWD that involved the transfer of funds
Certification from DSWD Office and/or other concerned government agencies that the applicant is free from any financial liability/obligation
ACCREDITATION
I. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS A. Basic Documents
Duly accomplished and Notarized Application Form
Pre- Accreditation assessment conducted by concerned FO
Duly Accomplished Pre- Accreditation assessment tool signed by the SWA’s Head of Agency or Authorized Representative
B. Documents Establishing Corporate Existence and Regulatory Compliance
Certification of no derogatory information issued by SEC (except those operating for less than six (6) months upon filing of the application) (not applicable for public SWDAs)
ABSNET Membership Certification from the Regional ABSNET (RAB) President or Chairperson of the Cluster ABSNET (CAB) or the authorized ABSNET Officer attesting the active ABSNET membership of the applicant SWDA.
C. Documents Establishing Track Record and Good Standing
Duly signed Work and Financial Plan for the two (2) succeeding years
Notarized Update Certification from the Board of Trustees and/or the funding agency to financially support the organizations to operate for at least two (2) years (not applicable for public SWDAs)
Annual Accomplishment Report of the previous year
Audited Financial Report of the previous year
Profile of clients/community being served for the preceding and current year
D. Documents Establishing Corporate Existence and Regulatory Compliance
Certification from the SWA’s Head of Agency on their observance and compliance to the provisions of Executive Order No. 26 of 2017 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke- Free Environments in Public and Enclosed Places) and RA No. 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003)
II. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A. Basic Documents
Manual of Operation
Profile of Board of Trustees or its equivalent
Profile of Employees and Volunteers Staff requirement shall be based on Staff Client ration per standards on accreditation of specific programs and services
For those operating in more than one region List of main and satellite/branch offices, if any
For applicant SWAs implementing Child Placement Services Certification from DSWD or photocopy the certificate of training attended by the hired RSW related to child placement service.
B. Documents Establishing Corporate Existence and Regulatory Services
Certified true copy of General Information Sheet issued by SEC or any regulatory agencies (not applicable for public SWDAs)
For Center Based (Residential Based and Non-Residential Based) Copy of the valid safety certificates namely:
Occupancy permit (only for new buildings) or Annual Building Inspection/Structural Safety Certificate (for old buildings)
Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
Water Potability Certificate or Sanitary Permit
For applicant serving within the Ancestral Domains of Indigenous People (IP) – Photocopy of NGO Accreditation from the National Council on IP(NCIP)
C. Documents Establishing Track Record and Good Standing
For applicants with past and current partnership with the DSWD that involved transfer of funds
Certification from DSWD Office and/or other concerned government agencies that the applicant is free from any financial liability/obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Registration, Licensing and Accreditation of SWDAs
1. How much is the processing fee for Registration, Licensing and Accreditation?
The DSWD will charge a processing fee for the registration, licensing, or accreditation of programs and facilities. This fee is equivalent to one thousand pesos. For registration, the agency will charge a fee of one thousand pesos. On the other hand, for accreditation, the fee is one thousand pesos.
2. What is the timeline in processing Registration, Licensing and Accreditation online application?
Applications received after 4:00 p.m. will be processed the next working day. Applicants can log into their accounts to check the status of their application.
Travel Clearance for Minors
The DSWD issues a travel clearance to a child below 18 years old so that they can travel abroad without their parents.
Who needs a travel clearance from the DSWD?
For a child traveling without his or her parents, or who is traveling with only one parent, the child will need an authorized adult to sign their travel clearance.
Who does not need a DSWD travel clearance?
Minors who do not need a travel clearance include minors traveling abroad with their solo parent or legal guardian and minors traveling abroad whose parents are in the Foreign Service or living abroad or are immigrants.
Is a married minor required to secure a travel clearance?
A minor must get a travel clearance in order to go overseas alone or with someone other than his or her parent. This requirement applies regardless of the civil status of the minor.
What are the requirements for securing a travel clearance?
A. For a minor traveling alone to a foreign country for the first time
Duly accomplished application form
A photocopy of the birth certificate of minor
A written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country
As appropriate, a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents or a photocopy of the certificate of legal guardianship of the minor or in the case of solo parents, a photocopy of the solo parent identification card from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or a photocopy of a certification from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office of being a solo parent or Tallaq or Faskh certification from the Shariah court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader or in the case of an illegitimate minor, a certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR)* from the National Statistics Office (NSO) or in the case of a deceased parent, a photocopy of the death certificate
* Issuance of CENOMAR will take 1-5 days for cases of uncommon surnames and 1-15 days for common surnames.
* Issuing office of CENOMAR is the National Statistics Office not the Local Civil Registrar.
Two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last six (6) months
B. For a minor traveling for the first time with a person other than the parents or legal guardian
Duly accomplished application form
A photocopy of the birth certificate of minor
A written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country with a specific person other than them
As appropriate, a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents or a certificate of legal guardianship of the minor or in the case of solo parents, a solo parent identification card from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or a certification from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office of being a solo parent or a court decree of separation, annulment or divorce, or Tallaq or Fasakh certification from the Shariah court or any muslim barangay or religious leader or in the case of an illegitimate minor, a certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) *from the National Statistics Office or in the case of a deceased parent, a photocopy of the death certificate
* Issuance of CENOMAR will take 1-5 days for cases of uncommon surnames and 1-15 days for common surnames
* Issuing office of CENOMAR is the National Statistics Office not the Local Civil Registrar
Two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last 6 months.
Photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion
C. In case of illegitimate children who are traveling abroad accompanied by their biological father, they are still required to secure a travel clearance certificate as parental authority is vested only to the mother of the child, per Article 176 of the Family Code of the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions about the DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors
1. Is there a validity period for a travel clearance?
A DSWD travel clearance can be valid for a period of one year from the date of its issuance. It can be renewed for multiple trips within the same validity period if the conditions under which it was issued remain the same. If a condition changes, a new clearance must be obtained.
2. How much is the processing fee for a travel clearance issued to a minor?
The DSWD collects processing fees for minors traveling abroad. The fee is Php 300.00 and it’s good for one (1) year. Another option is to pay Php 600.00 and have a travel clearance that’s valid for two (2) years.
3. Where can one file an application?
The application for travel clearance must be submitted to the DSWD Field Office. Along with the supporting documents, it should also be filed.
DSWD-Field Office orwww.dswd.gov.ph can be used to obtain application forms. You can also download these forms in MS Word format.
After submitting the application, you must go to the nearest DSWD Field Office to get the original copy of the supporting documents. After that, you will be issued a travel clearance certificate.
4. What kinds of minors are exempted from securing a travel clearance?
A minor with permanent residency card
A minor who holds a valid pass such as dependents visa/pass/identification or permanent resident visa/pass/identification card is no longer required to secure travel clearance from DSWD. A permanent residency card is a valid pass and a holder of such is exempted from securing a travel clearance.
A minor born abroad but has no permanent residency card
It depends on the minor’s citizenship or residency. A minor who is not a Filipino citizen and holds a foreign passport is not required to secure a travel clearance. A minor who is a Filipino citizen and living abroad who does not hold a permanent resident visa/pass/identification card is required to secure a travel clearance.
5. Who would give the consent for the travel of a totally orphaned minor who has no appointed legal guardian?
Grandparents who have the authority to make decisions for a minor child whose parents have passed away may do so without a court order. However, in cases where both the parents are deceased, the legal guardian should be the child’s relatives or acting guardians.
6. What about those children whose parents have marital conflict and are on hold order?
If a minor is involved in a custody battle between his or her parents, he or she will not be allowed to travel outside the country without a Court Order.
The child’s name will be added to the immigration agency’s watch list if the family fails to provide the necessary information. The Bureau of Immigration is responsible for ensuring that the child does not leave the country.
7. Can a travel clearance be issued to illegitimate children who are still applying for their visa in the embassy?
Children of illegitimate parents are under the custody of their mother. If they are traveling with their mother, they do not need to secure a DSWD clearance. On the other hand, if they are traveling with an individual other than their mother, they must get a clearance.
8. Is a faxed copy of the parental consent of parents residing abroad acceptable?
A faxed copy is acceptable, as well as photos of minors that have been digitally generated. Emailed documents should also be considered.
9. What are the requirements for illegitimate children abandoned by the mother and under the custody of the father or other relatives who will be traveling alone or with the father or other relatives?
The father would need to secure a court order to have the authority over his illegitimate children, as the mother has the absolute authority over them.
If the court grants the father a parental authority, the minor will not be required to obtain a travel clearance. However, if the minor accompanies the father, then they must secure a clearance if they travel with someone else.
DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors Form
To get started on your child’s travel clearance application, you may head over to the DSWD’s website and get a copy of the form. Alternatively, you may get a copy of the form by clicking on the link below:
In conclusion, the DSWD eServices are a great way to ensure that those in need of assistance can access it quickly and easily. This is a great way to ensure that those in need can get the help they need without having to go through a difficult process.
The DSWD eServices are a great way to ensure that receiving assistance is both efficient and effective. The DSWD eServices are a great way to make sure that assistance is available to those who need it. The question remains, however, how can we make sure that the DSWD eServices are available to those who need it most?
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) began its shelter assistance project in the late 1970s via the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) program to repair damaged houses of family victims of a disaster or calamity.
The ESA program was made possible by the passage of Republic Act No. 7279 or the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Program, which was signed into law on February 15, 1987, by President Corazon Aquino. The ESA program provided temporary shelter for families affected by disasters like typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The program also provided immediate relief to families affected by disasters through food rations and medical assistance.
This is especially important for us in the Philippines as a country known as one of the disaster-prone areas in the region. Keep reading to learn more about the DSWD program.
Super typhoon “Sisang” hit the Philippines in 1987, leaving around 200,000 families homeless. Following the disaster, the DSWD established a program to provide low-cost housing to the affected families.
In 1988, a comprehensive program was formulated to implement the guidelines for rehabilitating the victims of typhoons and other disasters. This project, known as the Core Shelter Assistance Project, was eventually updated in 1989.
The guidelines provided the necessary structural requirements for the construction of core shelters. They also laid out the various components of the project’s implementation.
The DSWD Core Shelter Design was presented with the World Habitat Award in 1991 for its environmentally-friendly construction. This organization, which advocates for hazard-resistant building materials, recognized the design’s strength.
During the 2000 armed conflict in the Philippines, about 10,000 families were left homeless. The DSWD provided financial and material assistance to construct new housing units using locally-produced materials. Unlike the previous one, this program considered the cultural designs of the beneficiaries and the participating families.
The Shelter Assistance Project shall have the following Components:
A. Social Preparation – This component aims to provide or improve beneficiaries’ awareness of their situation, the need for the project, the kind of involvement they can provide, and the importance of their participation.
A composite team composed of C/MSWDOs, DSWD-SWAD, PNP, or a local NGO (if available) would review the circumstances of intended beneficiaries and validate their eligibility for housing assistance on the barangay’s final list.
The C/MSWDOs should ensure that all eligible beneficiaries get a “Disaster Family Access Card.”
C/MSWDOs are required to carry out social preparation activities for beneficiaries, the community, local governments, and non-governmental organizations. The DSWD Field Office must develop the final list of beneficiaries based on the validation performed by the composite team.
To strengthen community organization and stimulate community formation, C/MSWDOs should recruit beneficiaries into a Neighborhood Association for Shelter Assistance (NASA) with a maximum of 30 members. The monetary rewards must be deposited into a bank account in the name of the NASA Organization, with signatures from the NASA President and Treasurer, the Municipal Social Welfare Officer, and any member of the DSWD SWAD Team. (This applies to DSWD Field Offices with SWAD Teams.)
NASA should form a committee in charge of soliciting, marketing, procuring, and overseeing shelter construction materials.
The beneficiaries should sign a contract with the DSWD and the LGUs stating that the former will not sell, rent, or mortgage the property and will furnish labor for the construction of their home (applicable for shelter aid and core help only) (Applicable only for shelter and essential support)
B. Food I Monetary-for-Work Aid – The provision of food or cash assistance to catastrophe victims or displaced people in exchange for their services or participation in restoration and rehabilitation activities.
Food or cash assistance to meet the needs of beneficiaries and their families through the Food/Cash-for-Work (F/CFW) program at a rate of 75% of the daily regional wage, value of either cash or food/family/day for a maximum of 10 days with 25% as beneficiary equity; however, the daily payment will only be granted to families who work at least eight hours per day.
Through a “Bayanihan Scheme,” F/CFW assistance shall be provided to all beneficiaries of ESA / MSA / CSA organized into NASA with a maximum of 30 members as food or cash support for a maximum of 10 days while participating in community activities such as cleaning of drainage, repairing of community facilities, houses, and construction of Shelter. Only one (1) individual per household may benefit from or use the C/ FFW assistance.
C. Technical Assistance in Housing Construction – This refers to providing beneficiaries and LGUs with orientation, demonstration, assistance, and monitoring in the execution of shelter units in line with the permitted shelter plan and specification.
A DSWD Engineer (CO or Field Office) shall give technical assistance by orienting, and showing the Provincial/City/Municipal Engineer, Foreman or skilled worker, and beneficiaries the construction of the core shelter model house to ensure conformance with the standard shelter design.
D. Financial Support – The provision of limited financial assistance to cover the cost of housing materials to satisfy the basic housing needs of families whose houses have been destroyed by natural disasters.
The amount of the DSWD shelter or core shelter support grant must be determined by the Secretary in consultation with the appropriate internal and external stakeholders. It must be adjusted regularly based on the current cost of construction materials.
Legal Basis
1.Presidential Decree (PD) 1566 (dated June 11, 1978) – “Strengthening of the Philippine Disaster Control, Capability and Establishing the National program on Community Disaster Preparedness
2. DSWD Administrative Order 76, Series of 1988 – Implementing Guidelines for Core Shelter Assistance Pilot Project for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Typhoon “Sisang” and other Disasters
3. DSWD Administrative Order 101, Series of 1989 Amendment of Administrative Order Number 76, Series of 1988 – Implementing Guidelines for Core Shelter
4. Republic Act 8185 – Amends section 324 of the Local Government Code Authorizing the local government units to declare a state of calamity and use of 5% of its budget for disaster management
5. Republic Act (RA) 7160 The Local Government Code of 1991 supports the goals and objectives of the disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation programs. The law strengthens local autonomy thru devolution of the basic services functions of the national agencies to the LGUs.
6. Executive Order No. 15, Series of 1998 – “Redirecting the functions and Operations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development”.
7. DSWD Administrative Order Number 15, Series of 2008 – Guidelines on the Implementation of the Cash-for-Work (CFW) Project
8. Republic Act No. 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010) – An Act Strengthening the Philippine Risk Reduction and Management System, Providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, Appropriating Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes
Benefits
Cash Assistance
P30,000 to typhoon victims with totally-damaged houses
P10,000 to families with partially-damaged houses
Food/Cash-for-Work Assistance
Technical Assistance in House Construction
Financial Assistance:
Neighborhood Association for Shelter Assistance
Partnership with Private Sectors, NGOs and Gas in coordination with LGUs
Funds to the LGUs
The DSWD has a number of projects and activities that are aimed at helping people in need. These include:
– Direct cash pay-out to families with serious illnesses and disabilities;
– Direct check pay-out to senior citizens;
– Tap-up with Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) cash card holders; and
– Mobilize existing and available service providers like Palawan, Cebuana, GCash, among others. Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) to repair damaged houses of family victims of disaster.
Qualifications
Families whose house have been totally destroyed by a man-made or natural disaster
Not a recipient of any other housing assistance from any other individual groups or agency government or non-government for the disaster in question.
Families included in the LGU master list based on the issued DSWD Disaster Assistance family Access Card (DAFAC)
Requirements
Here are the eligibility requirements based on the criteria and recommendation of the City / Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (G/MSWDOs) following a set of criteria provided by DSWD through this guideline and validated by the DSWD Field Offices.
Prioritization is determined based on criteria indicated in this guideline considering the funds available.
A. Beneficiaries:
Family is not a recipient of any other housing assistance from any other individual groups or agency government or non-government for the disaster in question.
Monthly income of a family of 6 should be below the food threshold that is P10, 936.00 in urban areas and P9, 767.00 in rural areas based on the NSCB poverty statistic report dated March 2, 2007. The family monthly income rate shall be adjusted from time to time depending on the food threshold rate report of the NSCB.
House should have been totally destroyed by a man-made or natural disaster; and limited resources prevents the family from repairing or reconstructing their permanent shelter units such that they continue to live with relatives or friends in evacuation centers, or in other makeshift shelters.
Possession of a guarantee of ownership or permanent or long term occupancy of at least 10 years on the lot on which to build the permanent shelter unit.
If resources warrants, vulnerable families residing in high risk areas maybe provided or may avail of shelter assistance as part of mitigation measures.
The following shall be considered priority for assistance indicated;
Families with small children.
Families with pregnant and lactating mothers.
Surrogate parents of orphaned children living in evacuation centers who are equally situated e.g. with totally damaged shelter units.
Families with damaged houses whose head of household died or were incapacitated as a result of the disaster.
Priority will be given to beneficiaries who meet the geographical clustering requirement in a specific barangay with at least 5 beneficiaries living in proximity with each other to promote collective actions in realizing goals of the project and easy delivery of housing materials.
Families with seriously ill members or persons with disabilities or with special needs. (Persons are considered with special needs if they have physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive or emotional impairment or limiting conditions that require medical management, health care interventions, and /or use of specialized services or programs).
B. Areas
The area where the house will be built is not prone to hazards and certified as a safe area by DENR- Mines and Geo-Science Bureau (MGB), DOSTsPHILVOCS/PAGASA;
Area should have access to transportation.
A minimum of 60 sq. meter home lot / shelter unit shall be allotted in the resettlement areas and space for path walks and other community facilities shall be provided.
Documentary Requirements
Requirements for LGUs Requesting for Shelter Assistance
Disaster Terminal Report Contents:
Brief situationer (covering from time of disaster to date of report)
Nature and date of occurrence
Areas and population affected
Damage to the population and community
Services extended – by whom / where / when
Brief description of strategies used, strength and weaknesses of the operation, actions taken and recommendation for future action.
Rehabilitation Plan for the affected families/communities;
Project Proposal describing the rehabilitation project and specific counter-part of LGUs and time line for shelter implementation;
Copy of notarized deed of donation / documents attesting the availability of sites / lot for shelter project (applicable for MSA/ CSAP).
Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Resolution approving / endorsing the proposed housing project.
Certification from the LGUs Treasurer on the availability of calamity fund to be use as a counter-part for the rehabilitation project, (applicable for MSA/CSAP)
Master list of the proposed beneficiaries based on the family access cards with individual picture of the family heads prepared by the C/ MSWDOs and certified by the C/ Municipal Shelter Committee;
Certification issued by DENR – Mines and Geo-Science Bureau (MGB), DOSTs PHILVOCS/PAG-ASA
Formal endorsement of the Field Office or DSWD-ARMM for ARMM areas
The ESA will be distributed via direct cash payout to beneficiaries through authorized Special Disbursing Officers (SDO) of concerned DSWD Field Offices (FOs).
Video: CamSur lumapit sa DSWD, NHA para sa emergency shelter assistance
In 2020, the local government of Camarines Sur has approached two government agencies to help its residents whose homes were damaged in the wake of Hurricane Rolly to provide emergency assistance. Watch the video above to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is emergency shelter assistance of DSWD?
The DSWD is providing financial assistance to families whose houses were damaged due to the typhoon. The agency will provide them with P10,000 to purchase construction materials.
2. Why is emergency shelter important?
This project aims to provide a secure and healthy environment for vulnerable individuals while protecting them from various risks, such as abuse and exploitation. It also aims to help them access their needed services and improve their living conditions.
3. What is the meaning of “house should have been totally destroyed by a man-made or natural disaster”?
The house should have been completely destroyed due to a natural or man-made disaster. Unfortunately, due to limited resources, the family can’t afford to fix or reconstruct their permanent shelter units. They’re forced to live with friends or relatives in temporary shelters.
4. What is shelter assistance?
The objective is to provide financial and material assistance to families in the construction of houses, but with modifications that are more appropriate for the local political and cultural context. This program also aims to address the structural design of the houses.
5. What is limited housing?
To help families whose houses have been damaged, the government provides financial assistance and limited housing materials. However, these are usually accompanied by safety requirements.
6. What is the meaning of “impact”?
A serious disturbance to the functioning of a society or community, which involves widespread human, material, environmental, or economic losses, can exceed the capacity of its members or the society to cope with its own resources.
7. How many shelter units per cluster?
If you are planning on providing resettlement lots, make sure that they are available for at least five shelter units per cluster. These units should be certified by scientific agencies to be safe.
8. What is the purpose of the Local Government Code of 1991?
The 1991 Local Government Code provides for the establishment of effective disaster mitigation and preparedness programs. It also allows local governments to delegate the basic services functions of their national agencies.
Summary
The Philippines, being one of the countries that are frequently hit by calamities throughout the year, benefits greatly from the DSWD’s Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) because the program provides immediate relief to the victims of natural disasters. The DSWD’s Emergency Shelter Assistance is a government program that provides temporary shelter and housing units to those who were affected by calamities. It also complements other disaster management programs in order to mitigate against the effects of disasters.
Through the agency’s partnership with LGUs, the DSWD’s Emergency Shelter Assistance was able to provide temporary shelter and housing units for the victims of natural disasters. The DSWD also ensures that the beneficiaries of its program are provided with livelihood opportunities to continue supporting their families after the emergency period.
We hope that you’ve learned a lot about the agency’s program for disaster victims and how it works. If you ever need help in case of emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact the DSWD through your respective LGU. The DSWD’s hotline numbers are available on their website and in the hotline directory in your local government office.
