DSWD

As we move with the changing times, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) understands the importance of technology and its role in transforming the lives of Filipinos. By using technology as a tool for social change, the agency can deliver better services to clients who are mostly from disadvantaged communities.

Also Read: List of DSWD Programs, Projects and Services

And as the world becomes more technology-driven, DSWD is also ensuring that the agency’s workforce has the skills and knowledge to adapt to these changes. To this end, DSWD is continuously investing on the development of social technologies and projects that will not only help increase its service delivery efficiency but also improve the lives of Filipinos. In this post, we share some of the social technologies that DSWD has been implementing.

What is the Socal Technology Bureau?

The DSWD-STB leads the development of social welfare and development programs for poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged Filipinos.

The DSWD will continue to develop responsive, transformative, and sustainable SWD models of intervention that address the needs of the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged groups.

The DSWD will ensure a proactive and improved social technology development process, reducing turn-around time for the completion of models of intervention from conceptualization to pilot testing and evaluation.

The DSWD will provide continuing capacity building to its staff and intermediaries, facilitating organizational development activities to ensure holistic, rights-based, evidence-based, and participatory technologies.

The DSWD will conduct accelerated and intensified social marketing of SWD models of intervention to address gaps in responding to the needs of sectors served by DSWD Central and Field Offices, Social Welfare and Development Agencies, Local Government Units, and other intermediaries.

The social development sector has undergone many changes over the last few years. The use of social technology, sustainable intervention models, and organizational development has seen significant growth in the number of interventions and their impact on the communities. This growth can be attributed to an improved proactive SWD process that focuses on transforming people’s lives.

STB Framework & ST Development Process

The DSWD-STB Framework and Process is designed to ensure that DSWD-STB interventions are aligned with the needs of stakeholders. DSWD-STB can continually improve its services through feedback, monitoring, evaluation, and learning mechanisms.

Laws and Issuances

Here are some of the laws and issuances related to the DSWD-STB, and its framework and processes.

AO No. 06 S. 2016 – Enhanced Guidelines on Social Technology Development

AO No. 14 S. 2018 – Omnibus Guidelines on Social Technology Development

AO No. 34 S. 2003 – Framework for Social Technology Development

MC 06 S. 2011 – Guidelines on the Development of Social Technology Projects Series of 2010

MC No. 2 S. 2020 – Guidelines in Pilot-Testing of the Paghilom Program

MC. No. 33 S. 2020 – Guidelines for the Implementation of Yakap Bayan Program

List of Programs and Services

The DSWD-STB has various programs covering each sector of society. These are:

Children and Youth

Aruga At Kalinga Sa Mga Bata Sa Barangay (ARUGA)

Strategy for Implementing Foster Care Service in a Barangay for the Provision of Planned Substitute Parental Care to Abandoned, Neglected and Children in Need of Temporary Care.

In order to promote the implementation of foster care service in a barangay for the provision of planned substitute parental care to abandoned, neglected and children in need of temporary care, the DSWD-STB will be adopting a multi-pronged approach. They will start by holding meetings with the barangay officials, civic leaders and local government unit representatives so that they can understand the program and how it can help them achieve their respective goals.

The STB will also conduct a survey on abandoned, neglected and children in need of temporary care in our area to identify potential beneficiaries of the program. This way, the agency will be able to identify which areas need more attention than others which will help them determine what kind of program should best be implemented in those areas and how many beneficiaries they can target within those areas.

Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education Livelihood, And Other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD)

SHIELD is a program that aims to withdraw children from the worst forms of child labor through the provision of holistic and immediate interventions at the community level. This project was developed to comply with RA 9231, and contribute to the removal of one (1) million children from child labor by 2025 as committed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Child labor is a serious problem in many countries, and the DSWD-STB is proud to lead a project that’s working to eradicate it.

The SHIELD project helps to eliminate child labor, particularly its worst forms and those in the blanket ban (below 15 years old). They do this by:

• Identifying child laborers in the community and ensuring evidence-based case management through an operational Child Labor Local Registry (CLLR) System.
• Improving access of child laborers and their families to appropriate services.
• Increasing awareness and capacities of child laborers, their families and duty-bearers in addressing child labor.

Buklod Paglaom Para Sa CICL Holistic Psychosocial and Economic (HOPE) Inventions for Children in Conflict with the Law (BUKLOD)

Buklod Paglaom para sa CICL is a project that combines center-based interventions with community-based interventions. It aims to address the risk factors in children and their families that caused them to offend, as well as the risk factors in the community that will more likely result in their reoffending if not addressed. The project puts emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than retribution based on the principles of restorative justice.

The Center for Integrated Care and Learning (CICL) is a program that serves juveniles who are at high risk of re-offending. The program helps these juveniles develop and maintain positive behavior by giving them opportunities to participate in constructive activities and providing them with educational guidance and support.

The CICL program also helps dysfunctional families become responsive to the needs of their children for support and protection. In addition, it helps community members become responsible for preventing juvenile delinquency.

CICL participants who have completed their rehabilitation program are provided with intensive aftercare. This service aims to provide continuity of care for children and young people with a history of offending to ensure that they continue to engage in positive behavior.

Group work helps CICL respond to the problem about the negative influence and pressures exerted on a child by his peers to participate in gangs and engage in drug abuse and other illegal activities. In group sessions, participants learn how to resist peer pressure and make positive choices.

Individual sessions aim to address a child’s harmful behavior brought by lack of ability to control aggression and warped understanding of right and wrong. By addressing these issues, CICL develops the skills to cope effectively with stressors encountered at home or school.

Family sessions focus on the dynamics of family relations to support parents who cannot give appropriate guidance. The goal is for parents to become aware of their strengths as well as weaknesses so they can take advantage of available resources while promoting positive relationships among family members.

Youth Productivity Service (YPS)

The Youth Productivity Service (YPS) is a community-based strategy organization that aims to reduce poverty among out-of-school youths and youth at risk. The organization works with national government agencies, local government units, and civil society in order to provide integrated skills and facilitate job placement for out-of-school youths.

Comprehensive Program For Street Children, Street Families And Indigenous Peoples Especially Sama Bajaus (COMPRE)

The program is an integrated approach and a package of services and interventions to address the needs of street children, street families and Indigenous Peoples living or at-risk in the streets. The program desires to reduce activities and vulnerabilities of children and families at risk in the streets by responding to their immediate needs and engaging them in productive, cultural and developmental activities in a safe environment.

The program will ensure that children are in school and not roaming major thoroughfares through sustained developmental and age-appropriate activities. It will also provide access for children, families and unattached adults at risk on the streets to housing programs, basic social services, capacity enhancements and opportunities for parents to earn money while improving their parenting capabilities. It will engage other community stakeholders in the provision of various developmental services.

Modified Social Stress Model (MSSM)

As per the DSWD-STB, the MSSM framework assesses the specific needs of children recovering from substance use and abuse in residential care facilities. The MSSM framework is a global approach to identifying risk factors and protective factors that affect children in need of special protection. It is used to assess the specific needs of children recovering from substance use and abuse in residential care facilities.

The objectives of using MSSM are:

• Improve management of children in need of special protection by using the MSSM framework in the DSWD centers/ residential facilities and other LGUs and NGOs operating residential care facilities
• Institutionalize the use of MSSM tool in identifying the specific risk and protective factors affecting the client as well as in designing a responsive intervention plan
• Guide the implementers (social workers and other members of the intervention team catering to CNSP on the use of MSSM

Special Drug Education Center (SDEC)

SDEC aims to develop and implement drug abuse prevention programs such as community information and education activities on the ill effects of drug abuse. It also seeks to build capacities of OSY / street children and their families towards the promotion of a positive lifestyle and drug-free home and community, advocate for local legislation, policies and programs, as well as generate resources, to support SDEC. The center also establishes linkages & maintains a data bank on OSY, street children and young drug-dependent individuals.

The objectives of SDEC are to:

• Develop and implement drug abuse prevention programs such as community information and education activities on the ill effects of drug abuse
• Build capacities of OSY / street children and their families towards the promotion of a positive lifestyle and drug-free home and community
• Advocate for local legislation, policies and programs, as well as generate resources, to support the SDEC
• Establish linkages & maintain a data bank on OSY, street children and young drug dependent

Family

WiSUPPORT

The DSWD-STB has developed a Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (WiSUPPORT) program to address mental health and psychosocial needs through wireless and online platforms. The program intends to make services more accessible to its intended clients by developing and utilizing technology-based platforms in compliance with infection prevention, control measures, and other related guidelines.

The DSWD will be able to ensure a systematic response to the psychosocial needs of individuals and families affected by COVID-19 and other crisis situations through the development of technology-based platforms.

These systems will support the operations of DSWD Central and Field Offices by facilitating intake, responding, referring, and recording of cases. The Department’s duties and responsibilities in the implementation of Republic Act No. 11036 will be executed with these systems in place.

Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program (FDAPP)

The Family Development for Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program (FDAPP) is a community-based presentation program designed to educate families and communities on the adheres effects of drug abuse. The program adheres to the provisions of RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which recognizes the vital role of the family in educating its members on the ill effects of dangerous drugs.

The objectives of FDAPP are:

• To create awareness of families and communities on the underlying causes of drug abuse and its ill effects
• To promote family life enrichment, strengthen Filipino family values and enhance relationships among its members
• To mobilize families in the promotion of effective parenting and drug-free home and community.

To achieve these objectives, FDAPP’s components include organization of Family Councils, capacity building for families and service providers, training on health, socio-cultural, psychological, legal and economic dimensions and implications of the drug problem, advocacy networking and social mobilization.

Local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils provide referral services and conduct information and education activities to promote drug-free home and community.

Strategies Toward Acceptance, Reintegration And Transformation For Poor Recovering Drug Dependent (START)

The START program aims to provide recovering drug dependents with the support and care they need in order to reintegrate into society as self-reliant, responsible members. The project is a community-based aftercare intervention that follows up on primary residential or outpatient rehabilitation programs in both government and non-government facilities. It is designed to help recovering drug dependents who have completed these programs, but it also aims to support their family members and communities in supporting their recovery process.

The objectives of the START program are to ensure that recovering drug dependents have bio-psychosocial, economic, moral, and spiritual development through their participation in this program.

The project also aims to mobilize families and community members along with individuals and families at risk for addiction problems so that all can be involved in supporting each other’s recovery process.

Finally, it seeks to promote interagency partnership for resource augmentation; local policies; coordination of efforts among agencies; and more effective interventions for those struggling with addiction problems.

The components of the project are:

• Service delivery: Provision of services such as psychosocial interventions, financial assistance, capability building, skills training, and referral services to RDDs and their families
• Advocacy: Raising the awareness of the people in the community on the ill-effects of drug abuse and in removing social stigma on RDDs
• Organization of Support Groups: Formation and training of peer, family and community members to ensure successful reintegration of RDDs
• Establishment of Inter-Agency Mechanism: Identification and organization of different government, non- government agencies, academe

Yakap Bayan

The objective of the Yakap Bayan Program is to provide adequate preparation/transition for reintegration among Recovering Persons Who Used Drugs (RPWUDs), enhance the coping capacities of RPWUDs with the demands of their dynamic environment upon return to their communities, facilitate an enabling environment for the transformation of RPWUDs in communities, and enhance the knowledge, attitudes and skills of families to serve as co-journeyers of RPWUDs towards recovery.

The program model in assisting RPWUDs to be socially functioning and maintain a lifestyle change from rehabilitation or treatment with the catalytic role of families, communities and Local Government Units (LGU) service providers. It will be implemented by Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) and will weave existing resources of the LGUs, NGOs and CSOs, adopting the whole-of-nation and community approach. It utilizes the continuum of care and prevents stigma through institutionalizing intervention at the barangay level.

Psychosocial Care And Support For Persons Living With HIV and AIDS And Their Families (PLHIV)

The project aims to enhance the access of PLHIVs and their affected family members to various support services and assistance. It also aims to provide psychosocial interventions to project beneficiaries, provide access for beneficiaries to educational and economic support and assistance, strengthen the capacities of social workers in managing PLHIV cases through capacity-building activities, and link beneficiaries to other services.

The components of this project are:

• Advocacy
• Capability Development of Service Providers
• Organization and Sustainability of Family Support System
• Economic and Psychosocial Services
• Economic Empowerment and Assistance
• Special Protection for children infected or affected by HIV and AIDS
• Respite Care

Job Network Services (JNS)

This program’s objective is to provide clients access to job placement offices or companies that provide employment opportunities. The program will harness the skills and potential of the CIU clients to become gainfully employed and foster change in the impoverished situation of the CIU clients towards self-reliance to augment the family income. It will also put in place a network mechanism with resource agencies/individuals who may be able to assist with employment.

The components of this program are as follows:

1. Social Preparation: This starts from problem determination, where the social worker prepares the clients’ readiness for Job seeking.
2. Capability Building: This includes training for CIU staff on counselling, resume’ preparation and posting and use of the internet for searching for jobs.
3. Provision of Services:
   • Job search assistance, where the client is referred to companies and resumes are entered into the job networks.
   • Conditional Cash Assistance Support, which includes the provision of cash assistance to clients for not more than six (6) months to be used for job searching, among others
   • Occupational Guidance / Counseling

Comprehensive Delivery of Reintegration Services for Deportees and Irregular Overseas Filipino Workers (BALIKBAYAN PROJECT)

The BALIKBAYAN PROJECT is a package of services that helps to address the adverse effects of repatriation, deportation and unemployment of OFWs and to provide support services for their effective reintegration into the Philippines. The objectives of the program are as follows:

• To improve the quality of life of deportees, repatriates and returned irregular Filipino workers
• To increase the socio-economic capacities of OFWs
• To facilitate psychological healing and recovery and promote harmonious relationships among family members
• To hasten the reintegration of the returned Filipinos into their families and communities
• To promote inter-agency partnership for resource augmentation in response to the needs of OFWs and their families

The program has five components: advocacy and social preparation; capability building of implementers; establishment of an inter-agency mechanism; networking and resource generation.

Women

Comprehensive Intervention Against Gender-based Violence (CIAGV)

The CIAGV is a holistic framework that aims to better understand and address gender-based violence (GBV) in the community through increased access to quality response and reintegration services and participation in preventive actions.

The objectives of the CIAGV are:

• Reduce the incidence of gender-based violence, in both normal and emergency/ crisis situations
• Improve the provision of services to victim-survivors of GBV
• Facilitate socio-economic integration of GBV survivors.

The main components are:

1. Prevention: increase awareness of the general population and vulnerable groups (rural, urban, IP) on the knowledge and perception of GBV, and strategies to combat it.
2. Response: improve service delivery systems to survivors through specialized trainings and improved centers during crisis situations.
3. Reintegration: provision of services that will support healing, rebuilding lives, and smooth return of victim-survivors to the community

Gender Responsive Case Management (GRCM)

GRCM is a case management model for victim-survivors utilizing gender-, strengths- and rights-based perspectives, guiding principles, and tools to facilitate the healing and recovery of every survivor of gender-based violence (GBV). It starts from the recognition of gender biases against women and girls in the home, community and society, and pursues empowerment of women to see their value and status in relation to self, family and society. It also addresses the victim-survivor’s immediate and long-term needs through a responsive helping relationship between the case manager and the survivor.

OBJECTIVES:

• Ensure the healing and recovery of victim-survivors of GBV through improved case management
• Facilitate and advocate timely, coordinated, age- and gender-appropriate delivery of services to meet the various needs of the sector
• Capacitate case managers on gender sensitivity, self-awareness and reflective practices

GRCM TOOLS:

Ender Violence Survivor Assessment (GVSA) – Uses a simplified listing of internal and external factors relevant to the presenting problems of the survivor Interdisciplinary Gender Assessment (IDGA) – The interdisciplinary team conducts the assessment in order to set a common goal for helping the survivor.

Domestic Violence Survivor Assessment (DVSA)

The Change Model looks at two main areas to determine what causes disruptive behavior: the relationship and the survivor who exhibits that disruptive behavior.

Women Friendly Space (WFS)

Women’s Family Support Centers (WFS) are facilities established in evacuation camps, transitional sites or communities to address the practical and strategic needs of women during crisis situations, especially natural or man-made disasters. It aims to respond to the effects of displacement and vulnerability of women to crisis situations through the provision of wide range of services to help them cope with their situation and prepare them for their return to communities.

The objectives of WFS are:

• Provide a safe space for internally displaced women
• Increase awareness among women and community members on issues related to well-being, women’s rights, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV)
• Ensure access of internally displaced women to economic activities and other services
• Enhance knowledge and skills of internally displaced women so they can participate in matters concerning their needs and interests

The components of WFS include:

• Gender awareness education and information sessions: WFS facilitators disseminate information about WFS and its services, as well as raise awareness of women on the prevention of gender-based violence.
• Service delivery: Access to services such as psychosocial support, reproductive health, cash for work, life skills using the Gender and Equality and Women Empowerment Framework.
• Partnership and networking: WFS may be used for gender awareness and education on women’s empowerment and gender equality targeting men and boys

Counseling Services for Rehabilitation of Perpetrators of Domestic Violence (CSRPDV)

The Counseling Services for Rehabilitation of Perpetrators of Domestic Violence (CSRPDV) is a community-based intervention that utilizes a simplified counseling model designed for the male perpetrators of domestic violence. Series of counseling sessions are conducted to change the perpetrator’s abusive behavior geared towards healing which aims to stop the cycle of violence.

Objectives:

• Provide counseling sessions to male perpetrators of domestic violence geared towards developing non-abusive behavior.
• Engage the family and community in the rehabilitation process of male perpetrators of domestic violence.
• Organize and mobilize volunteers as community support system for the transformation of the male perpetrators of domestic violence.
• Strengthen the capability of service providers in managing rehabilitation services for perpetrators.

Components:

• Capability Building: Undertake appropriate capability building activities to enhance knowledge, attitudes and skills of the implementer by understanding the service framework, processes, and procedures.
• Counselling Sessions: Counseling approach with focus on Enhancing Personal and Family Resilience, Activating and Nurturing Family Resilience, and Care

OPs/PWDs

Sheltered Workshop for Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons (SWPDOP)

The Sheltered Workshop is a community-based facility designed to provide training and productive employment for persons with disability (PWD) and older persons (OP) by producing and selling goods or services for additional income. The objectives of the program are:

• To provide capability building activities for PWDs and OPs.
• To provide employment for PWDs and OPs who can function under controlled environment.
• To advocate for community support for PWDs and OPs, especially persons with developmental disability.
• To provide opportunities to parents, siblings, and community members to actively participate in the rehabilitation of person with disability and older persons, whichever is applicable.
• To strengthen the expertise of staff/ workers in operationalizing sheltered workshop, specifically designed to meet the needs of person with disability and older persons.
• To provide Older persons the opportunity to continue working and contributing to society while enjoying a reasonable quality of life.
• To increase community awareness on issues that affects both the PWDs and OPs

Community Action and Resources for Accessible and Better Living Environments for Persons with Disability (CARE-ABLE)

CARe-ABLE is the community-based intervention that helps people with disabilities access existing resources, programs, and services in their communities. The project seeks to provide holistic interventions to people with disabilities and reduce barriers for greater access to resources both from the government and non-government sectors.

The main objectives of CARe-ABLE are as follows:

• Increase access of people with disabilities to social protection programs
• Strengthen city, municipal and barangay mechanisms in providing programs and services for people with disabilities
• Improve capacities of people with disabilities for self-care and economic productivity

The CARe-ABLE project has four components:

1. Establishment of Barangay Helpdesks—a venue within the community for coordination with LGUs and other offices for faster, better and more coordinated delivery of services
2. Support Services—accessing PWDs and their families to health, nutrition and medical care, psychosocial services including assessment fees, mainstream education, livelihood, socio- cultural and social enhancement programs among others
3. Capability Building—values enrichment, capability building and skills training to develop self-esteem improve life perspectives and address personal barriers
4. Strengthening Local Mechanisms—establishment of linkages to public institutions transport business sectors other government non-government institutions providing caring environments support

Intergenerational Program for Older Persons and Children (INTERGEN)

The objective of this program is to enrich the lives of older persons while also promoting intergenerational harmony. This program will help older persons share their knowledge and skills with the younger generation in an integrated and intergenerational environment.

This program aims to increase community awareness on issues of both the young and old claim holders and on social problems relative to the transfer of culture across generations.

This program will provide intergenerational services through structured activities that will bring harmony to claimholders, such as early stimulation, acquisition of basic skills, inculcation of values and socialization for children.

It will develop an appreciation for the rich Filipino cultural heritage and history. It will promote an understanding of shared values and respect for individuals in all stages of life. It will provide opportunities for older persons and other claim holders to participate in economic and social education as well as spiritual development activities in communities or centers. It will provide psychosocial intervention to senior citizens, children and other members of their families.

Home Care Support Services for Senior Citizens: (HCSSSC)

The Home Care Services for Senior Citizens (HCSSSC) program is a community-based program that aims to provide quality care for the sick, frail, bedridden senior citizens in their own homes through their family/kinship carers and homecare volunteers. The project ensures that older persons, their families and communities promote healthy and harmonious family relationships and take effective steps to provide care and protection to the sick, frail, bedridden, disabled, abandoned and neglected senior citizens.

The objectives of this project are as follows:

• Provide a package of caregiving services for senior citizens who have difficulty performing activities of daily living due to old age and ailments
• Capacitate volunteers to plan and deliver home care support services to the senior citizens in their own homes
• Encourage active participation of the family in establishing and sustaining programs and services for the senior citizens
• Enhance capabilities of implementing LGUs/P0s, senior citizens organizations in the delivery of services to home care beneficiaries
• Raise public awareness of the needs and aspirations of senior citizens

The Reporting and Prevention System Project Program for Elderly Abuse Cases (RESPPEC)

The Reporting System and Prevention Program for Elderly Abuse Cases (ReSPPEC) is a community-based project that strengthens partnerships and networks between and among the senior citizen sector, stakeholders, and partners to ensure holistic and efficient delivery of services to respond to elderly abuse cases.

The project will develop a holistic system that will put into place mechanisms and necessary procedures and protocols to report, investigate, intervene, document, monitor formally, and provide follow-up services to community elder abuse victims.

The project also provides support groups for perpetrators/abusers and treatment on ways to change their behavior. It has components for values formation and rehabilitation of perpetrators/abusers to stop the cycle of violence. This project will also strengthen family and peer support to prevent abuse among the elderly.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:

To protect the rights of the elderly against all forms of abuse by knowing detecting elder abuse and ways of preventing it, as well as the establishment of local reporting mechanisms and referral systems in order to provide services for their full rehabilitation/recovery.

COMPONENTS

• To establish local reporting mechanisms in management of Elder Abuse cases
• To capacitate the people in the communities
• To develop data banking system on Elder Abuse cases
• Provide support services not limited to psycho-social, economic, medical, legal to the elder abuse victim-survivor and their families
• To provide rehabilitation and support services for suspected abusers/ offender to mitigate the effects of violence
• Intensify public awareness on elder abuse through advocacy activities

IP

Sama-Bajau Localized Intervention & Learning Approach Fop Holistic Improvement (SALLNLAHI)

SaLInLAHI is a community-based project anchored on rights-based, child protection and culture-based approaches. It aims to ensure and sustain the protection and promotion of the rights and well-being of poor Sama-Bajau children through culture-based early childhood care and development (ECCD) services.

SaLInLAHI provides age-appropriate and culture-based learning sessions for Sama- Bajau children aged 3-4 and prepares them for regular education. The project strengthens paternal, maternal and child care education to prevent maternal and child mortality among Sama-Bajau, who are known for their high mortality rate especially among mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. It also strengthens the support of families and indigenous leaders for the protection of children 0-4 years old.

The components include: Culture-based Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Sessions grounded on indigenous knowledge, systems and practices of Sama-Bajau which are appropriate adaptable to the growth formation of children 0-4 years old; Empowering Learning Sessions for Indigenous Peoples Initiatives (ELIPI); Organization of Sama Bajau Volunteers

IDPs

Team Balikatan Rescue in Emergencies (TEAMBRE)

The TeamBRE Project is a partnership of the City/Municipal/Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) and fisherfolk in coastal barangays and disaster-prone communities. The project aims to enable the fisherfolks to become contributing members of their families and communities by making them partners in disaster preparedness and response while providing them alternative source of livelihood during lean or typhoon months. This is in response to the situational analysis which found that they have low economic productivity and have high casualty rates during typhoon.

The objectives of TeamBRE are as follows:

• Enhance the skills of fisherfolks on disaster preparedness and response

• Organize the fisherfolks as TeamBRE volunteers to respond safely in disasters and emergencies in partnership with City/Municipal/Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council

• Augment family income during lean or typhoon months

The components include capability building, training of TeamBRE volunteers and project partners on Family Based Disaster Preparedness and Community Action for Disaster Response (CADRE), support services such as cash/food for work, skills training, livelihood assistance

Video: The Social Technology Bureau

Here’s an AVP by the DSWD showcasing the role and functions of the Social Technology Bureau (STB). Find out more about the bureau’s role in the DSWD and how it helps connect people to social services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the mandate of Social Technology Bureau (STB)?

Develop and enhance technologies that will address current and emerging needs of poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals.

2. What are the Divisions of the Social Technology Bureau?

• Research and Design Division (RDD) – this division is responsible for developing, testing and implementing information and communication technology (ICT) applications that will address the current and emerging needs of poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals.
• Pilot Implementation Division (PID) – this division is responsible for the implementation of the projects developed by RDD and is tasked to ensure that all technologies are in line with the government’s policies, standards and procedures.
• Promotion and Institutionalization Division (PaID) – this division is responsible for ensuring that all technologies developed by RDD and PID are disseminated to the public through various channels, including government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs).

3. What are the Key Results Areas of the Bureau?

• Research and Design on the Needs of the Target Sector – The Bureau aims to develop and implement technologies that are relevant and useful in addressing the needs of its target sector. This is achieved by conducting research on the needs of the sector and identifying solutions that will address these needs.
• Pilot Testing of Innovative Models of Intervention – The Bureau conducts pilot testing of its technologies and models of intervention. This is done to improve the quality of the interventions, as well as to assess their effectiveness in addressing the needs of the target sector.
• Promotion and Institutionalization of completed SWD Models of Intervention – The Bureau promotes and institutionalizes the completed SWD models of intervention. This is done in partnership with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as private institutions. The Bureau also provides support to these partners by providing technical assistance, training and capacity building.

4. How many models of interventions/programs were developed by the Department?

There are twenty (20) social technologies that respond to the needs of children, families and women.

5. What are the developed models of interventions/ programs for the families/ family sector?

1. Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program (FDAPP) – The program is a community-based prevention program designed to educate families and communities on the adverse effects of drug abuse.

2. Psychosocial Care and Support for Person Living with HIV- The project is a community-based intervention for the prevention and management of the risks and problems associated with HIV infection.

3. Job Network Services for Perennial Clients of Crisis Intervention Unit – A community-based project anchored on the principle of self-reliance.

4. Comprehensive Delivery of Reintegration Services for Deportees and Irregular OFWs- A package of services that helps to address adverse effects of repatriation, deportation and unemployment of OFWs and to provide support services for their effective reintegration to the Philippines

5. What are the developed models of interventions/ programs for Women sector?

1. Comprehensive Intervention against Gender Violence (CIAGV)- A program that provides a holistic framework on prevention, response and reintegration to better understand and address gender-based violence in the community.

2. Gender Responsive Case Management (GRCM)- A case management model utilizing the gender, strengths and rights-based perspective, with guiding principles, and tools to facilitate the healing and recovery of every survivor of gender-based violence.

3. Women-Friendly Space (WFS) – A facility or structure established in evacuation camps, transitional sites or communities to address the practical and strategic needs of women during crisis situations, especially natural or man-made disasters.

4. Counseling Service for Rehabilitation of Perpetrators of Domestic Violence (CSRPDV)- The project is a social work intervention which utilizes a simplified counseling model designed specifically for male-perpetrators of do

6. What are the developed models of interventions/ programs for children/ youth sector?

1. Special Drug Education Center (SDEC) – he center is a community-based facility established for the provision of anti-illegal-drug education, livelihood skills training, leadership training, and other community development activities for out-of-school youths and street children.
2. Sharing of Computer Access Local and Abroad (SCALA)
3. Buklod Paglaom Para sa CICL- A project combining services and interventions in center and community-based settings. Using a holistic approach, it aims to reduce cases of re-offending by addressing the risk factors in CICL, their families and communities.
4. Aruga at Kalinga sa mga Bata sa Barangay- A strategy to promote the implementation of foster care service in a Barangay to provide a planned substitute parental care to abandoned, neglected and other children in need of temporary care.
5. Modified Social Stress Model (MSSM) – A tool in assessing the needs of children recovering from substance use and abuse in residential care facilities.
6. Youth Productivity Service (YPS) -A community-based strategy on convergence among national government agencies, local government units and civil society organizations to provide integrated skills and facilitate job placement among out-of-school youth (OSY) and youth-at-risk.

7. What are the developed models of interventions/ programs for the sectors of older persons, persons with disability, indigenous people and internally displaced persons?

1. Intergenerational Program for Older Persons and Children
2. Home Care Support Services for Senior Citizens- A community-based program that aims to provide quality care for the sick, frail, bedridden senior citizens in their own homes through their family/kinship carers and homecare volunteers.
3. Sama Bajau Localized Intervention and Learning Approach for Holistic Intervention (SALINLAHI) – SaLInLAHI is a community-based project that is anchored on rights-based, child protection and culture-based approaches. It is focused on the learning and development of 0-4-year-old Sama-Bajau children.
4. Sheltered Workshop for Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities
5. Community Action and Resources for Accessible and Better Living Environment for PWDs (CARe-ABLE) for PWDs- The project is a community-based intervention which enables persons with disability (PWDs) to access available resources, programs and services in the community.
6. Team Balikatan Rescue in Emergencies (TeamBRE)-A program that organizes and mobilizes fisherfolks for joint undertakings in the rescue and evacuation of affected families in coastal barangays and disaster-prone communities.

Summary

As you’ve noted, there are various efforts in which DSWD-STB has been involved. The key to the success of these programs is that they are rooted in a strong sense of community and shared responsibility. Thus, DSWD-STB has always believed that marginalized people in the community should be able to develop skills and abilities that will help them become self-reliant and productive in their communities.

We hope that after you’ve read this article, you learned a lot about the work that DSWD-STB does in the community. If you know someone who might benefit from the programs that DSWD-STB offers, don’t hesitate to share this article with them. 

Contact Information

DSWD Social Technology Bureau (STB)
Address: 3RD Floor, Matapat Building Department Of Social Welfare And Development – Central Office IBP Road, Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Telephone: 02-8951-7124; 02-8951-2802; 02-8931-8144
Email: soctech@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://stb.dswd.gov.ph/

Google Map Location

We know that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has several social welfare programs aimed at the poor and vulnerable sectors of society. We also know that these programs are important in helping the poor cope with their daily challenges and improving their quality of life. One of these is the Listahanan.

The Listahanan, also known as the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), is a project of the DSWD that seeks to identify who and where the poor are in the country. It does this by collecting data on households all over the Philippines through interviews and surveys. This data is then used to come up with a list of households that are considered to be poor, based on certain criteria.

The Listahanan is important because it helps the DSWD and other government agencies identify which areas and sectors of society need the most assistance. It also allows for more targeted and efficient social welfare programs, as well as improved monitoring and evaluation of these programs.

As big an agency as DSWD is, order and organization are still important. And it is precisely here that the DSWD Listahanan comes in. This makes it easier for the agency to access its target sectors, especially those unfamiliar with this government agency’s work. The Listahanan also includes information about how you can avail of these services.

What is the DSWD Listahanan?

The Listahanan is an information management system that uses empirical methods to compile a database of who and where the country’s poor are. It is tapped by National Government Agencies and other stakeholders of Social Protection, so they can find out who may benefit from their programs and policies.

The purpose of this program is to summarize the current status of household-based targeting in the country and discuss its limitations. This will be done through an examination of some key issues, including (1) The existence and use of “scientific” means to identify poor households; (2) Maximizing the benefits of social protection programs by developing evidenced-based services to the poor; (3) Minimizing wastage by ensuring that only those who are deserving benefit from social protection programs; and (4) A call for sharing high-quality data on poverty among public and private service providers.

Brief History

Since it was first made public in 2010, many agencies and groups have used the Listahanan database to find out what the poor need and meet those needs. Several government agencies have used it to ensure their programs don’t forget about the poor.

The database was used to identify the beneficiaries of various state programs, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philhealth for Indigent of Health Insurance Corporation.

Although the Listahanan database is not a financial assistance program, it does serve as a reliable record of the people who avail of various government services and programs. For instance, unlike programs such as the Unconditional Cash Transfer Program, which provides cash grants directly to the recipients, the Listahanan database is not just used to identify the people who are receiving these benefits.

Benefits

Several benefits come with the DSWD’s Listahanan program.

1. Allows local government units (LGUs) will have access to the official list of poor families as identified by the DSWD.
2. A better understanding of poverty in each locality, helping LGUs plan and implement more effective development interventions.
3. More than 5 million families have been categorized as poor and are now being assisted by various social protection programs.
4. Social protection programs can be designed to address the multiple dimensions of poverty.
5. Enhance the impact of social protection programs and, minimizing the wastage of resources.

Legal Bases of Listahanan

• Department Order No. 1 Series of 2008. Adoption of the Targeting System for Poverty Reduction as a Mechanism for Identifying Potential Beneficiaries of the DSWD Social Protection Programs and Services.
• National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) Resolution No. 18 series of 2009. Recognizing and enjoining support to the Targeting System being implemented by the DSWD as a Tool to Identify Beneficiaries of Social Protection Programs.
• Executive Order 867 series of 2010. Providing for the Adoption of the NHTS-PR as the Mechanism for Identifying Poor Households who shall be Recipients of Social Protection Programs Nationwide.

Process Utilized by the DSWD to Build/Update the Listahanan

Listahanan’s method of identifying the poor is different from other methods because it uses a systematic process to determine the real poverty level in the country. It does not rely on personal preference or political influence.

The four phases of the Listahanan process are designed to ensure that the identification of the poor is carried out with accuracy and reliability. These include the data collection and analysis, the validation and finalization, and the reports generation and management phase.

Preparatory Phase

The Preparatory phase involves identifying the areas that will be assessed and developing a data collection strategy that will be appropriate for these areas.

The household assessment is carried out in all provinces, cities, and municipalities. It will be conducted in phases. For instance, in rural areas, the assessment strategy will involve saturation. On the other hand, in urban areas, the saturation strategy will involve identifying pockets of poverty.

This phase also includes the updating of the proxy means test model and the training of the field staff. Other activities such as the establishment of information technology systems and the orientation of project partners are additionally included in the assessment.

Data Collection and Analysis Phase

The DSWD uses a form known as the Household Assessment Form to collect basic information about household members. This data is then entered into a database through an application for data entry.

The data collected during the household assessment is then forwarded to the PMT for processing, where it will be used to estimate the household income. Based on the provincial poverty threshold, the households will be classified as poor or non-poor.

Validation and Finalization Phase

This Validation and Finalization includes the household assessment and involves identifying the poor households and posting their list in prominent locations within the communities.

Report Generation Phase

After the list of poor has been finalized, the NHTO then produces a report that describes the characteristics of the poor. This is then disseminated to various social protection groups and local government units.

Listahanan Info Kit

The DSWD has uploaded an info kit regarding the Listahanan, which serves as a system for identifying the poor. The kit contains information on the Listahanan, its benefits, and how LGUs can use it for their poverty relief services. You may find the document here. 

The Difference between DSWD Listahanan and Social Ameliorization Program (SAP)

DSWD Listahanan is the official list of poor families as identified by the DSWD. It is a tool for identifying and assisting the poorest households in the country. The Listahanan database can be used for a variety of purposes.

The database can be used to identify potential beneficiaries for social assistance programs. With the available sociological information, data users can see which families or communities need specific intervention. For example, the Listahanan can tell you which households require sanitary toilet facilities or do have access to potable water. The list of poor and non-poor households and their profile can be used to select eligible beneficiaries for specific programs.

The database can also be used as a planning tool. With the available socio-economic information, data users can see which families or communities need specific intervention. For example, the Listanahan can tell you which households need sanitary toilet facilities or do have access to potable water. The list of poor and non-poor households and their profile can be used to select eligible beneficiaries for specific programs.

On the other hand, the goal of the Social Amelioration Program or SAP is to help vulnerable families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was implemented last year after the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.

Here is an infographic to better understand the purpose and key differences between the two:

Video: Who are Eligible to Get Listed to Be Given Assistance by DSWD?

As the number of “poor” individuals and households is on the rise, there is a need for the DSWD to identify the poor properly. The Listahanan is a tool that LGUs can use to help them identify the poor in their respective jurisdictions and their needs.

As such, the agency has decided to “clean up” this list to ensure that it is more accurate and up-to-date. This is something that the DSWD has been doing for many years now, as it continues to be at the forefront of the government’s efforts against poverty.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is involved in the DSWD Listahanan targeting?

Through the NHTO, the DSWD coordinates the process of identifying the poor and ensuring that they are properly identified and supported. In addition, the agency’s field offices are also equipped with the necessary resources to carry out effective household targeting operations. These include coordinators, supervisors, and verifiers.

The field staff members who participate in the assessment are not assigned to areas where they might influence the data collected from households. The NHTO regularly consults with its NTAG, which comprises experts in various fields such as economics, statistics, and demography.

The NHTO’s National Targeting System Committee also has representatives from various operational clusters. These individuals provide the agency with their recommendations regarding the project implementation.

2. Why are family assessments being conducted by the DSWD instead of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which regularly produces poverty statistics?

In 2010, the government assigned the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to identify and provide financial assistance to the families of poor individuals. As the agency that handles the implementation of various social assistance programs, it is its responsibility to ensure that the programs are carried out in an efficient manner.

One of the most important factors that the DSWD has to consider when it comes to implementing its programs is the establishment of a target system that is based on a scientific and objective criteria. This will help the agency identify the most vulnerable individuals and improve the efficiency of its operations.

Unfortunately, the agency’s poverty estimates are not able to identify all the households in a province or region that are in need of financial assistance.

This is because the data collected by the PSA is bound by a confidentiality clause that was established in the Commonwealth Act of 1940. This means that the agency can’t reveal the identities of the poor families in a province or region. This is the reason why it is important that the program implementers are able to identify the exact locations of the families in need of assistance.

3. Since the DSWD is not a data collection agency, what is the assurance that the data collected by DSWD are credible and reliable?

• The PSA is a part of the NTAG, and they have been providing technical advice to the NHTO on how to collect and use data.
• The NHTO has enlisted the help of the PSA in developing a data collection tool and enhancing its manual for its enumerators.
• The Listahanan uses various variables to identify the poor, such as household surveys and censuses, which are all administered by the PSA.

In order to ensure that the data collected is correct and that it is stored in a secure database, Listahanan has implemented various measures to ensure that the information is collected and stored properly. These include conducting random interviews and monitoring the activities of its employees. Citizens’ feedback is also considered to ensure that the information is accurate and that the database is maintained.

4. What is the role of LGUs in the implementation of Listahanan?

The local government units (LGUs) play a vital role in ensuring that the operations of Listahanan are successful. They coordinate all of the company’s activities from the start of the project to the report generation phase. In addition to regular orientations and calls, the LGUs help identify and hire qualified individuals for various positions.

Through their local knowledge, the LGUs can also help develop a deployment plan. In addition, they are asked to provide a certificate of completion to show that the project has completed its assessment in their respective communities. The DSWD also ensures that the local chief executives and their staff members are involved in the validation phase to ensure that everyone can participate in the process.

After the validation of the list of the poor has been completed, the DSWD agrees with the local government units to provide them with the final list of the poor, which will serve as the basis for their programs and services. The LGUs can also use the database to validate the data that they use in their development planning.

5. Who benefits from Listahanan?

The use of Listahanan can help the poor by allowing them to access the services and programs that are available to them. This database is used by various private and public agencies to provide various social services.

6. How is the family assessment conducted?

The first nationwide household assessment was conducted from 2009 to 2011. It involved identifying the target households and mapping out the strategy for their enumeration. The geographic distribution of the provinces, cities, and municipalities that were prioritized for enumeration was based on the 2006 poverty estimates and the data from the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP).

The second phase of the survey involved conducting an interview with the households to collect information about their household composition, education, and housing conditions. The data collected from the HAF were then used to estimate their per capita income.

The income estimates were then compared with the official poverty rates in each province to identify the households that are living below the poverty line.

7. What is Proxy Means Test (PMT)?

The proxy means test is a statistical model that measures the welfare level of a family based on the verifiable and observable proxy indicators of its income. It also takes into account various non-income indicators such as access to electricity and water, and ownership of certain assets.

8. Why does the DSWD need to update or enhance the model used to identify the poor?

Situations can change in a couple of years. This means that the NHTO needs to consider the changes in the way it identifies the poor. When new census data or surveys are released, the agency needs to make sure that the criteria used to identify these households are still valid.

After conducting a review of the model, the agency needs to make sure that it is still valid. This process should be carried out periodically to update the Listahanan database. According to the NHTO, more detailed information about a family’s income is needed to improve the identification of the poor.

Summary

As part of its commitment to serving the poorest in the country, NHTO seeks to identify the poor households and make sure that they are included in its programs. One of the ways it does this is by making use of census data and surveys to determine which households have an income below a certain threshold. The agency needs to periodically review these lists to ensure they are still valid and up-to-date.

And while this system is conducted by the agency in its own terms and with its own methods, it is important to understand how the list is put together and what methods are used. This way, we can be assured that only those who deserve to be included on the list are there, that no one is mistakenly left off, and that services are administered fairly and equitably.

We hope that you’ve gained important information from this article, and that you feel more informed about the process of the DSWD in coming up with the Listahanan. If you know someone who might benefit from this information, please share this article with them. We’d like to spread the word about how important it is for our country to have a comprehensive list of its marginalized citizens and an efficient and fair method for updating this list.

DISCLAIMER: This post is only for information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. You may contact the nearest DSWD field office for advice if you have specific questions about your particular case.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is a government agency responsible for providing social welfare assistance to the Filipino people. The DSWD also has an office that handles adoption cases and offers services to prospective adoptive parents.

Also Read: How to Apply DSWD Solo Parent Assistance Cash Aid

Cases of children being abandoned and orphaned are frequent in the Philippines, which is why many children need a family. If you want to adopt a child in the Philippines legally, the DSWD is the first place you should contact.

The DSWD offers a legal adoption program that prospective adoptive parents can avail of. This program is open to Filipinos and foreigners who wish to adopt a Filipino child. The first step in the process is to submit an application form to the DSWD.

Once the application form has been submitted, the prospective adoptive parent will be required to attend an orientation seminar. After the seminar, the prospective adoptive parent will be required to submit several documents, including a home study report.

Once the home study report has been approved, the prospective adoptive parent will be matched with a child. The prospective adoptive parent will then be required to undergo a series of interviews with the child and the child’s family.

If the interviews are successful, the prospective adoptive parent will be required to submit a petition for adoption to the court. Once the petition has been approved, the child will be legally adopted by the prospective adoptive parent.

What is Adoption?

Adoption is the process by which a person or persons assume legal responsibility for another’s child. It aims to help a child who is legally free or eligible for adoption come into the permanent care of parents whose love and support will enable him/her to grow.

The State has to protect children whose parents are unable or absent to look after them. This child’s protection must be carried out to ensure that the placement is suitable and does not risk the child’s development. The DSWD has a special concern for those relatives and stepparents who adopt.

3 types of Adoption in the Philippines

1. An agency adoption involves finding and developing a family for a child who is either involuntarily or voluntarily committed to becoming a parent. The child’s adoption is then finalized through a licensed agency, such as the Kaisahang Buhay Foundation. This type of adoption provides the child with the same legal rights as the parents. It also protects the rights of the child’s biological parents.
2. A relative or family adoption is a type of adoption where the child’s biological parents direct the child’s placement with a relative or other family member.
3. Independent or private adoptions can be done through a go-between or an intermediary. An intermediary placement is a type of arrangement where an individual helps a family or individual find a child they want to adopt. The individual knows the parents who want to adopt the child and helps arrange the placement.

These intermediaries generally have good intentions and are well-intentioned. However, one should be wary of so-called “black market” placements, where an intermediary arranges for a child to be placed with individuals or families with a financial interest in the child. This type of arrangement does not consider the child’s best interests and the legal rights of the adoptive parents.

Components of Adoption

Adoption is a complex process and can be broken down into several components. This helps ensure that all parties know what’s expected of them.

• Recruitment of potential adoptive families who may provide a home to a child;
• Development of adoptive applicants as parents to a particular child in need of a home;
• Selection of a family who can best contribute to the total development of a particular child;
• Preparation of the child and family prior to placement to insure acceptance and readiness for the new relationship;
• Supervision of trial custody for at least six months to facilitate the child’s adjustment in the family prior to the completion of adoption;
• Preparation for removal of the child from the adoptive home if the placement disrupts while alternative plans are being worked out;
• Finalization of adoption and termination of service with issuance of the final decree of adoption and amended birth certificate;
• Organization of groups of adoptive parents as part of support system; and
• Post-legal adoption counselling when adoptive family and adoptee need further counselling related to information about adoptee’s background and search for his/her biological parents.

Who may adopt?

(a) Any Filipino citizen of legal age, in possession of full civil capacity and legal rights, of good moral character, has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, emotionally and psychologically capable of caring for children, at least sixteen (16) years older than the adoptee, and who is in a position to support and care for his/her children in keeping with the means of the family. The requirement of sixteen (16) year difference between the age of the adopter and adoptee may be waived when the adopter is the biological parent of the adoptee, or is the spouse of the adoptee’s parent;

(b) Any alien possessing the same qualifications as above stated for Filipino nationals: Provided, That his/her country has diplomatic relations with the Republic of the Philippines, that he/she has been living in the Philippines for at least three (3) continuous years prior to the filing of the application for adoption and maintains such residence until the adoption decree is entered, that he/she has’been certified by his/her diplomatic or consular office or any appropriate government agency that he/she has the legal capacity to adopt in his/her country, and mat his/her government allows the adoptee to enter his/her country as his/her adopted son/daughter: Provided, Further, That the requirements on residency and certification of the alien’s qualification to adopt in his/her country may be waived for the following:

(i) a former Filipino citizen who seeks to adopt a relative within the fourth (4th) degree of consanguinity or affinity; or

(ii) one who seeks to adopt the legitimate son/daughter of his/her Filipino spouse; or

(iii) one who is married to a Filipino citizen and seeks to adopt jointly with his/her spouse a relative within the fourth (4th) degree of consanguinity or affinity of the Filipino spouse; or

(c) The guardian with respect to the ward after the termination of the guardianship and clearance of his/her financial accountabilities.

Husband and wife shall jointly adopt, except in the following cases:

(i) if one spouse seeks to adopt the legitimate son/ daughter of the other; or

(ii) if one spouse seeks to adopt his/her own illegitimate son/daughter: Provided, however, that the other spouse has signified his/her consent thereto; or

(iii) if the spouses are legally separated from each other.

In case the husband and wife jointly adopt, or one spouse adopts the illegitimate son/daughter of the other, joint parental authority shall be exercised by the spouses.

Who May Be Adopted?

(a) Any person below eighteen (18) years of age who has been administratively or judicially declared available for adoption;

(b) The legitimate son/daughter of one spouse by the other spouse;

(c) An illegitimate son/daughter by a qualified adopter to improve his/her status to that of legitimacy;

(d) A person of legal age if, prior to the adoption, said person has been consistently considered and treated by the adopter(s) as his/her own child since minority;

(e) A child whose adoption has been previously rescinded; or

(f) A child whose biological or adoptive parent(s) has died: Provided, That no proceedings shall be initiated within six (6) months from the time of death of said parent(s).

Effects of Adoption

The effects of adoption are varied, depending on the circumstances. For example, if a child is adopted at birth and becomes the only child in his or her new family, the experience of being adopted may be less apparent. On the other hand, if a child is adopted as an older child or teenager who has lived with foster parents for some time before adoption, he or she may struggle more with issues related to identity and belonging. However, as per the law, these are the effects of adoption on the family members involved:

• Sever all legal ties between the biological parent(s) and the adoptee, except when the biological parent is the spouse of the adopter;
• Deem the adoptee as a legitimate child of the adopter;
• Give adopter and adoptee reciprocal rights and obligations arising from the relationship of parent and child, including but not limited to;
• The right of the adopter to choose the name the child is to be known; and
• The right of the adopter and adoptee to be legal and compulsory heirs of each other.

Requirements for Local Adoption

Requirements for ADOPTIVE PARENTS

• Application Form
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate, Divorce Annulment, Declaration of Nullity of legal separation documents (if any)
• Written Consent to Adoption
• Medical Certificate issued at least 6 months
• Latest Income Tax Return or Certificate of Employment
• National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance or Police Clearance issued at least one year
• Three (3) letters of Character References
• 3×5 inch sized Whole Body Photos of the applicant and, where applicable, his/her family taken within the last three (3) months
• Certificate of Attendance to Adoption Forum

For Alien applicants

• Certification that the applicant/s have the legal capacity to adopt
• Certificate of Residence in the Philippines issued by the Bureau of Immigration or the Department of Foreign Affairs
• Two (2) character references from non-relatives who know the applicant/s in the country of which he/she is a citizen or was a resident before residing in the Philippines, except for those who have resided in the Philippines for more than 15 years
• Police Clearance from all places of residence

What is the Process for Domestic Adoption in the Philippines?

There are several steps to be followed for adopting a child in the Philippines:

Step 1: Attend the Adoption forum or seminar.

The DSWD requires all adoptive parents to attend a forum or seminar on domestic adoption. This is meant to teach potential adoptive parents about the process and requirements of adopting children in the Philippines.

Step 2: Submit the application for adoption to the DSWD Field Office or a Child-placing Agency

Submit the required documents. All applicants must submit their application form, birth certificate from both parents, marriage certificate if applicable, police clearance from all places of residence, and medical certificates from all doctors who have treated applicant/s for any illnesses or conditions during the past five years

Step 3: Prepare the Home Study Report

This is a very important part of the adoption process. The DSWD will require an accredited social worker to assess the prospective adoptive parent’s home and situation. This is done through interviews with family members and friends, visits to the applicant’s house, school or workplace, and other requirements set by DSWD.

Step 4: Submit Case Records of Prospective Adoptive Parents to the Adoption Resource and Referral Section (ARRS) of the DSWD

This will be a detailed report of all the information gathered by DSWD and a recommendation on whether or not to approve your application. The ARRS will also coordinate with other agencies and organizations that may be involved in your adoption case.

Step 5: Matching of candidates (Regional then Interregional)

After the ARRS has approved your case, you will be matched with a child available for adoption. The match may be regional or interregional, depending on the availability of children in different regions.

Step 6: Placement

If a match is made, the DSWD will coordinate with you and your home agency to finalize the child’s placement. This may take up to two months.

Step 7: Post-placement visits

The DSWD will arrange for a post-placement visit of the child by you and your home agency. This is to ensure that everything is in order.

Step 8: Signing of consent to adoption

The DSWD will ask you and your home agency to sign a consent to the adoption form. This legal document states that you are adopting the child, not just fostering or guardianship.

Step 9: Filing of Petition for Adoption

You must then file the petition for adoption in court. The DSWD will help you with this process and provide the necessary documents.

Step 10: Issuance of Decree of Adoption and Entry of Judgement

You will receive a copy of the decree of adoption and the entry of judgment. This is to ensure that you are now officially recognized as the legal parent of your child.

Step 11: Post-Adoption Services

The DSWD will provide post-adoption services to ensure that you can raise the child successfully. This includes providing you with counselling and financial assistance if needed.

The Importance of Adoption

You may know someone who’s been wanting to have a child of their own, but could not due to infertility issues. This can be very sad, but luckily many children need loving homes. Adoption is a wonderful way to give these children the life they deserve. Here are some of the reasons why adoption is a good option:

• You can save a child’s life.
• Many children need homes, and adoption is one way to give them that.
• You can make a difference in the lives of others. Adoption is important because it allows you to help someone who’s less fortunate than yourself.
• Adoption is the only way some children can have a family.
• It may be hard to understand, but some children are abandoned or neglected by their parents. They have no one to look after them or care for their needs. Adoption is a great way to give these children the love they deserve. It’s also important because it helps prevent child abuse and neglect.
• Adoptive families often become advocates for orphans and adoption.
• They can help raise awareness about the issue and provide support for other families who are considering adoption. Adoption is important because it gives children a chance at a better life. Children who are adopted often go on to lead happy, successful lives in their new homes.
• Adoption improves outcomes for children in foster care.
• Children who are adopted from foster care have better outcomes than those who remain in foster care. They have fewer behavioral problems, get along better with their peers, and earn higher grades in school.
• There is more support available than ever before.
• There are more adoption agencies than ever before, and they are better staffed and equipped to handle the influx of requests. More people are also available to help with adoptions through legal assistance or counseling.

Infographic on Domestic Adoption Process

You can view the infographics below to learn more about how to adopt a child domestically. It provides an overview of the process and key information about the DSWD’s efforts with domestic adoption.

Video: DSWD: The Process of Legal Adoption

Get to know the process of legal adoption in the Philippines. In this short video, the DSWD explains how they choose an appropriate family, prepare for the child’s arrival and how to complete the process of legal adoption.

This guide provides an overview of what interested parents should consider when adopting a child. It also explains what to expect during this time. If you are going to adopt a child, you must understand all the requirements for adopting one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the legal bases for the implementation of adoption?

• Under RA 8552 or the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998, the DSWD is mandated to facilitate
• the provision of immediate and permanent placement of a child legally available for
• adoption, needing an adoptive family.
• RA 9523, or the CDCLAA law, is an act requiring the Certification of the DSWD to declare a
• “Child Legally Available for Adoption” as a pre-requisite for adoption proceedings, amending
• for this purpose, certain provisions of RA 8552.
• RA 8043, otherwise known as the Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995”
• Presidential Decree No. 603, Otherwise known as the “Child and Youth Welfare Code, and for other purposes”

2. What is the function of the DSWD in the implementation of adoption?

The State, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, is the competent authority to implement the Adoption program under the passage of Republic Act 8552 or the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998. The Program Management Bureau-Adoption Resource and Referral Division implements the Adoption Program of the Department, which provides permanent family care arrangements to abandoned (including foundlings), neglected and surrendered children, with the following functions:

a. Formulate/develop and enhance policies and other issuances that will protect the Filipino child from abuse, exploitation, trafficking and adoption practice that is harmful, detrimental and prejudicial to the child’s best interests.

b. Issue guidelines on adoption, including pre and post adoption services;

c. Monitors, provides technical assistance and assess compliance of Field Offices

counterpart and other agencies/ stakeholders involved in child placement.

Conduct of Regional Matching Conference

Development of prospective adoptive families

Conduct advocacy on adoption program

d. Facilitates the review of the dossier of children and processes the issuance of Certification

Declaring A Child Legally Available for Adoption, following the Republic Act 9523,

which was used to be a court procedure.

e. Act as Secretariat to local matching conferences that aimed to match the children legally available for adoption to approved local adoptive parents and recommend the child towards permanent placement.

f. Facilitates issuance of Clearance and endorse the case of the child to the Intercountry Adoption Board for possible intercountry adoption placement.

3. Who are the target clientele group of the program?

• Abandoned, Neglected, Surrendered Children;
• Children who are Legally Available for Adoption;
• Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs)

4. Why are there still many people who are hesitant to give adoption to try?

The cost and long process in court. Though the Department is free of charge for those who want to adopt children, the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) will spend money once they get the service of a private lawyer in the finalization of the child’s adoption in court.

5. Breakdown for the cost of adoption with the DSWD

The DSWD does not require any adoption fees from the applicant/s. However, there are certain requirements that the prospective adoptive parents need to pay on their own, such as applying for an authenticated birth certificate and marriage contract from the PSA and securing a medical certificate and NBI or Police Clearance, among others. It is when the petitioner (this is the parent/s that are filing a petition for adoption in court) starts to file a petition for adoption in court that he/she/they would have to get the services of a legal counsel for a fee that is agreed with such legal counsel. This is not within the control of the DSWD.

6. How to adopt my niece / nephew (relative) step-daughter / step-son

Step-parent and relative adoption (within fourth degree of consanguinity) cases are directly being filed in court and does not require to go through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) process. They may visit and inquire from the family courts near their place for further information on the requirements and processes of adoption.

7. Do soon-to-be parents have counseling services offered to them as they go through the preparations and processes of adopting a child?

Yes, the PAPs were required to attend the adoption forum a certification of their attendance is one of the requirements in the application as the basis for the approval as adoptive parents. The social worker will discuss the processes that will help the PAPs decide and determine their readiness to adopt.

8. What companies or agencies does DSWD work closely with to promote adoption?

The Department work closely with the following Government and Non-government Organization to strengthen our advocacies on legal adoption. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DEPED), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Health (DOH) and DSWD’s Licensed and Accredited Non-Government Organizations (Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, NORFIL Foundation and Association of Child Caring Agencies in the Philippines (ACCAP).

9. Is there a standard age gap between the PAPs and the adopted child?

There is no set age limit for PAPs, but the age gap between a child and his or her guardians should be at least 16 years to ensure an age difference.

10. Can a single/unmarried member of the LGBT applies as an adoptive parent?

Although there is no specific law prohibiting people from becoming adoptive parents, they can still apply as long as they are qualified. This means that they are still subject to the social worker’s assessment and recommendations.

Although the court does not have the authority to ban the adoption of people from the LGBT community, it can still deny a petition if it believes that the applicant is not qualified. This is why it is important that social workers thoroughly assess the applicants.

11. Is there any difference in adoption requirements between a married couple and a single applicant?

If the PAP meets the DSWD’s requirements and is capable of parenting, the agency will not hesitate to provide the child with the necessary support. However, for single applicants, the DSWD will also require psychological evaluation. This is especially true if the applicant’s family members are also included in the assessment.

12. If the child was born out of marriage and the birthfather did not acknowledge the child, who will give the consent?

The child’s birthmother only gives consent and has the authority to decide on its future. If the child’s birthfather acknowledges the child, he will sign a Deed of Voluntary Commitment, allowing the child to be adopted in another country.

13. Is adoption revocable?

The adoption will not be rescissionable by the adopter or the child’s parents if the child’s best interests are served. Only after the petition has been submitted to the DSWD can the adoption be withdrawn based on the following grounds:

1. repeated physical and verbal maltreatment

2. attempt on the life of the adoptee

3. sexual assault or violence

4. abandonment and failure to comply with parental obligation

Summary

Adoption in the Philippines is a beautiful thing and can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make in your life. Adoption is not just about rescuing a child from poverty or giving them a better life but also about teaching them how to be responsible and caring adults.

The DSWD is a government agency dedicated to helping children and their families. The DSWD has many services and programs that aim to provide better opportunities for Filipinos in need. These include health services, education programs, housing, employment, and more.