Problematic human trafficking occurs when people are coerced into servitude, denied their freedom, and used for material gain. It’s a worldwide issue that needs to be addressed by all nations. The Philippine government’s Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) runs a rehabilitation and reintegration program for trafficking survivors.
As part of its Recovery and Re-integration Program for Trafficked Persons, DSWD offers victims of trafficking haven, counseling, and legal representation. To aid victims of trafficking in their search for gainful employment, the program also provides job training and placement services. If you are a Filipino citizen who has been trafficked, you are eligible for the DSWD Recovery and Re-integration Program for Trafficked Persons.
The rights of all Filipinos, but especially the most vulnerable and marginalized, are protected by the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The DSWD administers the Recovery and Re-Integration Program for Trafficked Persons. The program’s overarching goal is to help victims of trafficking heal both emotionally and physically so that they can return to regular life.
What Is the DSWD Recovery And Reintegration Program For Trafficked Persons (RRPTP)?
Regardless of their age, gender, or country of origin, victims of human trafficking have access to the full suite of services provided by this program. Healthcare, psychosocial support, legal representation, vocational instruction, and employment placement are all part of these offerings. When victims have nowhere else to go, they can turn to the DSWD for emergency housing.
The program was piloted in three areas at first, but its reach has subsequently been extended throughout the entire country. More than a thousand victims of human trafficking have benefited from this program run by the DSWD.
Helping Victims, Preventing Future Crimes, And Strengthening Law Enforcement Are The Program’s Three Primary Goals
Aid To Victims
The purpose of victim aid is to help survivors of human trafficking recover physically, mentally, and emotionally from their ordeal by providing them with care and support. Health care, mental health therapy, legal representation, and social services are all part of this package. Aiding victims of human trafficking so that they can start over with a fresh start and reclaim their autonomy is the ultimate aim of victim services.
Prevention
Awareness-raising is at the heart of the program’s preventative efforts, with the ultimate goal of reducing the incidence of human trafficking by empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and others. Awareness campaigns, training for government officials, community outreach programs, etc., all fall under the umbrella of “prevention efforts.”
Enhancing Capabilities
Capacity building in this program helps to fortify anti-trafficking organizations already doing good work in the world. It encompasses organizations like police departments and nonprofits that provide social services. Capacity-building initiatives may take the form of many types of training, seminars, workshops, studies, etc.
Benefits
A wide range of services is available through the DSWD Recovery and Re-integration Program for Trafficked Persons to aid in the victims’ journey to healing and re-entry into society.
Rescue and repatriation, counseling and psychosocial support, training and livelihood help, legal services, and more are all part of the program’s offerings.
The organization provides rescue and repatriation services to trafficking victims who are currently in captivity. After being rescued, victims are provided with a safe place to stay as well as food, clothing, and medical attention. They are also provided help booking flights home to see their loved ones.
As a result of their experience, victims of human trafficking frequently require counseling and psychosocial support. Counseling and psychosocial support are provided through the DSWD Recovery and Re-integration Program to aid in the emotional and mental recovery of trafficking victims. Help is also provided to victims in the form of livelihood support so that they can begin to rebuild their life.
The program provides training in marketable skills to enable victims of human trafficking to find productive work. Victims can also get help with their livelihoods by starting their enterprises. The purpose is to help victims of trafficking become self-sufficient so that they can provide for their families.
The program offers free legal representation to victims of trafficking so that they can pursue legal action against their traffickers. Help is also provided to victims while they seek government recompense.
Qualifications
Those who have been trafficked and need assistance under the DSWD’s Recovery and Re-integration Program for Trafficked Persons are listed below.
People who have fallen prey to human trafficking as described by Republic Act No. 9208 (also known as the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003”).
People who have been victims of human trafficking in the Philippines or elsewhere.
Individuals who were either originally from the Philippines or who have since relocated there.
Children who are victims of human trafficking and need help recovering from their experience.
The initiative has the support of adults who have been trafficked and who are eager to take part.
Protective services are necessary for victims of trafficking who are elderly.
Persons of either sex who are disabled and have been trafficked and require specialized assistance for their safety
If you are a foreign national who has been a victim of trafficking in the Philippines, you may be eligible for this program.
Victims must agree to assist law enforcement with their investigations and prosecutions of traffickers and take part in the program’s rehabilitation activities to be considered for participation.
Requirements
To participate in the program, victims must first submit the required documentation, which includes a passport or other form of valid identification, a birth certificate (for minors), a certificate of indigence or barangay clearance, and a reference letter (if available).
Victims from other countries will receive other required travel documents from the DSWD. After all the paperwork is turned in, the victim will get checked out by a doctor to see how they’re doing physically and mentally.
As soon as that is done, the victim will receive aid tailored to their specific circumstances. Anyone who has been a victim of human trafficking can enroll in this program, regardless of race, religion, or gender.
Procedure: How to Apply for Assistance for Human Trafficking Cases
Victims of trafficking can apply for the RRPTP at any DSWD Field Office or non-governmental organization (NGO) that helps victims of trafficking. The needs of victims and survivors will be evaluated, and those who qualify will get the proper support.
Individuals participating in the RRPTP can feel safe knowing that their privacy will be protected at all times.
Victims and survivors can get back on their feet and move forward with the RRPTP’s assistance.
Video: DSWD Recovery And Reintegration Program For Trafficked Persons
Here’s a video about the program.
Watch this video to find out more about the DSWD program to help victims of human trafficking recover and rejoin society. To help survivors of trafficking, the program offers them counseling, services for reintegrating back into society, and resources to help them make a living.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Services Are Available to Help People Who Have Been Victims Of Human Trafficking?
Many organizations exist to aid ex-trafficking victims. Family, friends, and community support are among the most vital. The sense of security and community that results from this is crucial in allowing victims to start the process of recovery. Legal aid, psychosocial support, and material resources are among the additional sorts of help that may be provided. Victims can get back on their feet and begin the process of reconstructing their life with the assistance of these tools. In addition, there are numerous groups dedicated to aiding victims of human trafficking. In addition to providing information and assistance, these groups can also point people in the direction of additional support.
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center, the Polaris Project, and the Internet Consortium to Prevent and End Child Sexual Exploitation in the Global Market are just a few examples of such groups.
2. What athe types of human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a worldwide concern, despite the widespread belief that it exclusively affects third-world countries. Sexual exploitation, forced labor, and organ trafficking are the three most common forms of human trafficking. The most common type of human trafficking is sexual exploitation, which includes prostitution and sex trafficking.
3. In The Philippines, Where Can I Go To Report Human Trafficking?
Email, the official website, social networking sites, smartphone applications, and the 1343 and international hotlines are all available for online reporting.
4. What Exactly Does The DSWD Recovery And Re-Integration Program For Trafficked Persons Consist Of?
Services such as psychosocial intervention, reintegration services, livelihood support, and many others are provided as part of the program.
5. Who Can Apply For The DSWD’s Recovery And Re-Integration Program For Trafficked Persons?
All trafficking victims who are also Filipino citizens are welcome to apply. Assistance is available to non-Filipino victims of trafficking as well.
6. For The DSWD Trafficked Persons Recovery and Re-integration Program, What Is The Application Process?
Reach out to a local DSWD office or non-profit that helps victims of human trafficking to learn more about the program and how to apply.
Summary
Many different types of help are available through the DSWD’s Recovery and Re-integration Program for Trafficked Persons. The program’s objective is to assist formerly trafficked individuals in re-entering society and leading fulfilling lives. All Filipino citizens who have been trafficking victims are welcome to apply to this program.
The program is open to non-Filipino nationals who have been victims of trafficking in the Philippines. Those who are eager to apply can do so either in person at a DSWD Field Office or online at https://www.dswd.gov.ph.
The DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) is responsible for the overall management of disaster response and relief operations. The DRMB coordinates with other government agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The DSWD provides social welfare services for all disadvantaged sectors of society, including those who are affected by disasters. The DSWD Disaster Response and Management Bureau is the lead government agency that provides emergency assistance to disaster victims.
The bureau has a lot of experience providing social services during calamities and man-made disasters such as fire, floods, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. If you or know anyone who requires emergency assistance from the DSWD, make sure to have this guide on hand. Keep on reading to learn more.
What is DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau Operations?
The Disaster Response and Management Bureau (DRMB) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development is mandated to lead disaster response by implementing, coordinating, and synchronizing disaster management programs for victims.
History
The DRMB was established as a result of the merging of the various divisions of the DSWD’s Protective Services Bureau. The former’s Division 3 was tasked with monitoring and carrying out disaster management operations.
The four-member DRMB was composed of a Disaster Response, Preparedness, Rehabilitation, and Information Center (DROMIC). It has 20 staff members and is focused on carrying out disaster response operations. Other tasks include camp management and coordination, food and non-food items distribution, and IDP protection.
The DRMB’s program activities include providing emergency shelter assistance, cash-for-work programs, and food packs for families. It also coordinated the distribution of non-food items and IDP protection.
In 2012, a memorandum circular was issued by the DSWD that placed the disaster response portfolio of the agency under the Protective Services Bureau’s Risk Reduction and Management division. As the number of disasters increased, so did the scope and tasks of the division.
In the same year, an amendment was made to the memorandum circular, which created a separate division within the DSWD to handle the various tasks and activities of the DRMB. This new office, known as the DRRROO, was tasked with handling the warehouse management and donation facilitation division.
The DRMB is committed to improving the disaster response capabilities of its members. This includes developing effective communication and information systems, as well as taking action in anticipation of events.
The various operational policies and guidelines of the DRMB have an impact on the effectiveness of the agency’s disaster response operations. As a result, the DRMB should regularly engage with its stakeholders to develop regulations and procedures that will help improve the efficiency of the disaster response.
In addition, the DRMB should also develop policies and procedures that will help improve the efficiency of its emergency response operations, such as the establishment of systems and procedures for the emergency cash transfer.
Due to the increasing scope of the agency’s work, the DRMB should also consider the creation of additional plantilla positions to accommodate the growing number of employees. The right-sizing of its human talent is of utmost importance as it allows the agency to retain and attract the best and most experienced individuals. In addition, the development of its organizational template and staff should be prioritized.
Functions and Responsibilities
The bureau’s main functions are:
to recommend policies and programs for disaster response management.
to lead in the planning, coordination and monitoring of all disaster-related efforts as per Republic Act 10121, also known as the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Following this are his key objectives which include disaster preparedness, mitigation, recovery and rehabilitation.
Specific Functions
Develop and enhance operational guidelines along disaster risk reduction and management and special concerns to ensure smooth implementation in the Field Offices/LGUs and intermediaries;
Translate and adopt international/global standards to local disaster management situations.
Plan and coordinate international, national and local assistance efforts in relation to the DSWD function as the lead agency of the Food and Non-Food Cluster, Camp Coordination and Management Cluster, Protection, Shelter and Livelihood Cluster;
Provide technical assistance and resource augmentation to DSWD Field Offices and other intermediaries for the implementation or management of disaster operations;
Adhere to and adopt universal norms, principles and standards of humanitarian assistance;
Enhance existing procedures, structures and mechanisms on disaster data management and information dissemination;
Study and assess the need of the Field Offices and recommend allocation of program funds and augmentation support for LG Us and other intermediaries;
Act as the Secretariat for a focal point for the inter-agency, inter-cluster, and inter-country coordination efforts along disaster management and special concerns; and
Coordinate and liaise with the DROMIC for disaster response operations information.
As the task of coordinating, managing, and implementing programs and services, the bureau is expected to deliver results in the following areas:
Technical Assistance and Resource Augmentation to DSWD Field Offices
DRRM operational policy development
Disaster Information Management
Response Pillar/Thematic Area Coordination
Disaster Response Clusters
The bureau operates through its various disaster response clusters:
Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster: The Cluster has specific objectives: to ensure the designation of camp managers and leaders; to ensure that temporary refuge to individual and families potentially at risk or in actual danger are immediately provided; to ensure the establishment of accurate sex and age disaggregated data, e.g. listing and profiling of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in evacuation centers or transitional shelters; to ensure that all IDPs in evacuation centers are provided with basic humanitarian needs compliant with SPHERE standards such as, but not limited to food with enough nutritional values, potable water, clothing, family items, hygiene kits and other essential non-food items.”
Moreover, it ensures the establishment of medical stations with available medicines and medical personnel, by providing electricity at evacuation centers 24/7, and seeing to it that communication facilities are in place, evacuation centers are off limits and have designated areas for pet animals, livestock and security personnel are present in the evacuation centers 24/7. To continue to seek opportunities for recovery, rehabilitation and developmental tasks as post response activities are undertaken, in case of prolonged stay.
Food and Non-Food Cluster (FNI) Cluster: This cluster contributes towards saving lives by providing food and non-food items to the affected populations in the short-term and restoring pre-disaster levels of food security in the most severely affected areas in the long term.
Internally Displaced Population (IDP) Protection Cluster: This cluster is a focal point for efforts to promote the protection of IDPs. It aims to support and enhance the Government’s capacity to ensure that protection issues do not arise in emergency situations and to respond and mitigate the effect of any protection issues that do arise.
Disaster Preparedness for Response Cluster: This cluster plans and coordinates the DSWD’s disaster preparedness efforts. Its mission is to ensure that DSWD has a comprehensive and coherent approach in addressing disasters. The DPRC leads in the planning, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating of all DRRM efforts of the department. It also conducts capacity building for the DSWD and LGU staff, which includes developing their capacity to respond to disasters through education and training activities.
Moreover, it aims to reinforce respondents’ capacity in effectively managing various psycho-social support services. It will also augment the skills in pre-positioning of logistics and resources, camp coordination and management, and strengthening partnerships with GOs, NGOs & LGUs.
List of Programs and Services
Here are the major programs and services of the DSWD-DRRM Bureau:
Across the bureau and its several clusters, here is a list of the programs the DSWD has in place to prepare for and address natural disasters:
Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC)
On May 18, 2016, the Philippines Government enacted Republic Act 10821, which provides for the protection and relief of children during and after natural disasters and other emergencies.
The Philippines’ primary policy is to protect and promote the rights of children in emergencies and disasters. This is evidenced by the country’s Declaration of Policy, which states that children have the right to be protected from harmful effects and circumstances that can endanger their survival. The law, known as RA 10821, is also referred to as the “Child’s Emergency Protection Act”.
The passage of Republic Act 10821 is regarded as pioneering and unique legislation that aims to improve the lives of children and adults in the country. It was the culmination of a series of consultations conducted with various stakeholder groups.
Despite the long process for the government to develop and implement the legislation, the consultations conducted with various stakeholder groups helped draft the bill.
Emergency Cash Transfer Operations Manual
The Emergency Cash Transfer Program (ECT) is an adaptive strategy that aims to bridge the gap between humanitarian assistance and immediate disaster relief by providing cash assistance to families affected by natural disasters and emergencies. Unlike other forms of aid, ECT is not an anticipatory response but a post-intervention intervention that provides cash transfers to families affected by shocks.
In major disasters, the needs of families are often varied. Their food and non-food items are needed to survive and provide for their well-being. In some cases, urgent needs are also identified such as the availability of medicines and health care. Besides these, other items such as wheelchairs and canes are also needed for people with disabilities and senior citizens.
People who have been affected by disasters usually need immediate assistance to repair their damaged houses and get back on their feet. While ECT is not replacing their regular income, it can help them meet their basic needs while they are still recovering from shocks and destruction.
ECT can also be partnered with the distribution of non-food items, such as food and non-alcoholic drinks, to help meet the needs of individuals and families. This strategy can be implemented when the local markets have not fully recovered and are still at the early stages of their operation.
ECT can also help reduce the administrative costs associated with distributing food by coordinating with the local markets. It can also help the beneficiaries buy goods from local producers. This strategy complements the cash transfers that ECT provides to families during the early recovery phase.
Various types of cash-for-work programs are also available, such as the Emergency Shelter Assistance, Cash-for-Work, and Cashfor-Training. These programs require proof of their outputs.
Emergency response and counseling (ECT) can be implemented in different disaster-stricken areas and can be provided to a family multiple times depending on the situation. However, this type of assistance is only available if the needs assessment is carried out.
The DSWD Secretary can activate the Emergency Cash Assistance program (ECT) when a state of calamity has been declared. However, this program only begins when the local markets in the affected areas are able to provide the necessary supplies to the affected population.
Two Phases of Support:
ECT provides both short-term and long-term assistance to help individuals and families recover from natural disasters. The aid program’s two phases are 1) relief assistance and 2) rehabilitation support. This support helps individuals and families get back on track and start to rebuild their lives.
ECT’s implementation depends on the rate of assistance that’s provided to the individuals and families affected by the disaster at each phase.
You may find a copy of the Emergency Cash Transfer Operations Manualhere.
CCCM and Protection COVID-19 Operational Guidance
On March 8, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 922, which declared a public health emergency in the Philippines. It prompted a comprehensive government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A few months later, he issued Proclamation 929, which placed the country under a state of calamity to contain the spread of the disease.
The number of people infected with the virus has already reached over 11,000. Although the disease is still active, the country is still exposed to various hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and hydro-meteorological phenomena. Due to the effects of these natural disasters, the displacement of people in affected areas is an inevitable consequence.
The displacement of people, especially those residing in camps and temporary shelters, can expose them to various vulnerabilities. These include limited access to basic services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this vulnerability became more apparent.
It is, therefore, important that the government and its agencies have the necessary resources and strategies to address the needs of the displaced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This can be done by establishing effective and resilient camps and evacuation centers. Although establishing these facilities is an option, they are also important to be managed properly to protect the camp management personnel and the IDPs.
This document aims to provide an operational guide for protecting the camp management personnel and the individuals affected by the outbreak. It is also intended for those who are involved in the planning and implementation of the response activities.
You may find a copy of the CCCM and Protection COVID-19 Operational Guidance here.
Risk Resiliency Program 2020
The DSWD-DRMB is implementing the Risk Resiliency Program (RR) 2020. This program aims to strengthen the capacity of local government units, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders in responding to disasters.
A key component of RR 2020 is the Regional Disaster Planning and Response Coordination Mechanism (RDPRCM). The RDPRCM is composed of all local government units that are vulnerable to disasters as well as key partners such as DSWD-DRMB, DOH-DOST, LGU-LGU Councils on Health and Nutrition (COSHN), Local Health Offices (LHOs), Civil Defense Office (CDO), Bureau of Fire Protection
DRRM Programs, Activities, and Projects
Humanitarian Relief Assistance – This project seeks to provide disaster-affected families with Food and Non-Food Items (FNFI), which include Family Food Packs (FFPs) consisting of 6 kilos of rice, four tin cans of sardines, four tin cans of corned beef, and six sachets of instant coffee/powdered cereal drink; Each pack is good for two days for a family of 5 members. It also aims to provide other essential needs such as mats, blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits and clothing for the affected families.
Construction of Bunkhouses or Temporary Shelters – This project focuses on providing temporary or transition shelters to meet the immediate needs of families displaced by massive casualties and destruction of their homes and communities in the aftermath of a major disaster or crisis. Temporary or transitional shelters are constructed with locally available construction materials. They can be created within a short period to provide relief and support to families until they can repair their damaged structures or rebuild new ones.
Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) – This is a program for family-victims of disasters whose houses are either totally or partially damaged. The per capita assistance will range from ₱10,000 to ₱30,000/family and depends on the necessity of assistance as well as the type of disaster.
Modified Shelter Assistance – The program will provide financial or material aid(or both) to augment the resources of family victims of disasters with a modified design adaptable to the socio-cultural background of the project recipients. The rate ranges from ₱70,000.00/family.
Core Shelter Assistance Program (CSAP) – The provision of environment-friendly, structurally strong shelter units that can withstand up to 220 kph wind velocity, earthquakes up to intensity 4 of the Richter scale and other similar natural hazards in relocation sites provided by the national or local government units using locally available materials to revitalize local economy. The rate ranges from ₱160,000.00/family.
Online ServicesCash-for-Work (CFW) / Food-for-Work (FFW) – In order to help families recover from the disaster, the Government is providing them with temporary jobs and cash or food assistance in exchange for community works and trainings participated in, either along the Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, or Early Recovery and Rehabilitation phases. The rate is equivalent to 75% of the regional minimum wage of the covered regions based on the latest prescribed rates set by DOLE-NWPC. Maximum 15 days engagement. However, the number of days for extension varies based on the work component to be undertaken.
Online Services
Virtual OpCenter – DROMIC is part of the Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB), a division within the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
This platform is a web-based application that allows the public to access information, request assistance and disseminate messages during disasters. It is also used by local government units (LGUs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and other agencies in their respective jurisdictions as a tool for disaster response management. The DROMIC platform has been operational since May 2015 and has been tested extensively during the recent typhoons that hit the country.
DREAMB e-reklamo system – This is the DSWD-DREAMB’s complaints management ticket system. The main purpose for implementing this ticket system is to manage related complaints regarding our services and to provide you a better service. Every complaint will be assigned a unique ticket number, through which you can track the progress and responses online. For your reference, the platform provides complete archives and a history of all your complaints and their resolution. A valid email address is required to use this system.
Infographics
Here are some photos of the DSWD disaster response to learn more about this department:
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about the DSWD DRMB? We’ve got them covered here:
1. What is the role of DSWD in disaster response?
The DSWD is expected to provide effective leadership and coordination during times of disaster. It is also expected to quickly mobilize and deliver necessary resources for the response. In the case of disasters that affect a specific region, the agency’s local counterparts should be able to provide immediate assistance.
2. What is the expected role of the DSWD in DRRM implementation?
The objective of this project is to raise public awareness about the importance of Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) and provide livelihood opportunities to vulnerable communities and families. Through skills training, participants can improve their chances of surviving and recovering from disasters.
3. What government agencies are involved in disaster management in the Philippines?
The various government agencies that are part of the National Disaster Framework include the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, and the NTC. A new organization focused on the commercial and amateur radio industry was also established on Oct 4, 2022.
4. What government agencies are involved in disaster management?
These are government agencies that monitor and manage the activities of government agencies and organizations involved in disaster response and recovery. These include the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and PAGASA.
5. How does the government handle disaster preparedness and management Philippines?
In order to prepare for emergencies, local governments can utilize geomapping technology to create evacuation routes and develop disaster-proof facilities.
6. Why is government assistance important in disaster?
The government’s primary objective is to strengthen its resource assurance framework. This includes supporting the development and implementation of disaster reduction programs.
7. What needs to be done to support these activities of DRMB?
To support the activities of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), we must follow the instructions given by the government. This includes identifying and assessing the risk of disasters, developing a disaster risk management strategy, and integrating the program into the national development framework.
8. How does your LGU Local Government Unit execute the implementation about disaster risk management?
The local government unit (LGU) is responsible for ensuring that its residents are aware of the risks associated with natural disasters and that it can effectively implement effective disaster mitigation measures. It should also conduct an education campaign about the importance of preparing for emergencies.
Video: DSWD ready to provide relief to storm victims | ANC
The past few months have seen many storms wreak havoc in the country, but it is the recent super typhoon that has left thousands of people without homes and livelihoods. The government has been quick to respond to this threat through the DSWD-DRMB, saying that they are ready to provide relief to storm victims.
In this video, the DSWD spokesperson also provides an update on what the department has done to prepare for the series of storms and calamities that are expected to hit the country since mid-year or the monsoon season in the Philippines.
Summary
The DSWD through its Disaster Response and Management Bureau (DRMB), has been at the forefront of the government’s disaster response efforts. The agency is tasked with coordinating the delivery of relief services to disaster victims and helping them recover from their losses.
As a tropical country, where typhoons are prone to occur, the DSWD is always prepared for storms and other calamities. The agency has been providing relief assistance to disaster victims as early as 24 hours after a storm hits.
We hope that you’ve learned something from this article. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them at the bottom of this page.
DISCLAIMER: This post is only intended to inform and provide general information. If you have any questions about the issues discussed in this post or any other legal matter, feel free to reach out to the DSWD-DRMB through the following contact details.
Poverty has been a prevalent issue in the Philippines since time immemorial. It’s no secret that poverty is a major contributor to many of the country’s problems, including crime and violence in urban areas. For these reasons, the DSWD has implemented a program called KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services), which aims to strengthen community structures and improve the quality of life of people living in poverty.
DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS is a national government program that aims to reduce poverty in selected areas in the Philippines through community-driven development. As poverty remains a challenge in many parts of the country, the DSWD is committed to continue implementing Kalahi-CIDSS to reach out to more families in need.
Find out how this program addresses poverty in the Philippines and the programs and services under the KALAHI-CIDSS. Keep on reading to learn more.
KALAHI-CIDSS is a DSWD program that aims to reduce poverty in the Philippines by strengthening community networks and improving the quality of life of people living in poverty. It was launched in 2011 as an extension of the government’s “Ending Poverty Is Possible Through Community Empowerment” campaign.
The Kalahi-CIDSS is a program of the DSWD that aims to provide comprehensive and integrated social services. It is carried out through the use of a community-driven development approach. This strategy aims to achieve service delivery and good governance.
The NEDA Board approved the scale-up of the program on January 18, 2013. It was implemented from 2003 to 2013.
Through a community-driven development approach, this program helps communities in poor municipalities identify challenges around reducing poverty and make informed decisions on a range of locally identified options for development.
The program gives control of resources to address local poverty to communities, builds the capacity of both state (including local governments) and civil society stakeholders to provide assistance and respond to calls for support from poor communities as they implement development initiatives, and helps them understand the role that each party plays in supporting community-driven development initiatives.
The goal of the Kalahi-CIDSS is for communities and barangays to become more empowered to participate in the planning and implementation of local government services.
Brief History
Originally named as “Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB)”, the concept of the Kalahi-CIDSS is to provide comprehensive and integrated social services through the use of community-driven development. This approach involves implementing local solutions to address the poverty and other social issues in the communities.
The concept of the Kalahi-CIDSS was derived from the strategies and lessons learned from the various national programs that have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing poverty. These include the Philippine government’s comprehensive and integrated social services program and Indonesia’s Kecamatan Development Program.
In July 2002, the Kalahi-CIDSS piloted the concept of the 16-step process of the community empowerment activity cycle. This was conducted in a municipality in Quezon, which is a fifth-class area. The project was funded by a grant of PhP1.8 million.
The pilot program was conducted in six of the municipality’s 14 barangays. These areas included Manggahan, Bulakin 1, Cabatang, Putol, Pinagdanlayan, and Dagatan. The field team for the project was composed of Irene Malong, Jay Arribay, Ray Camiling, and Consuelo Aranda.
The six-month pilot program provided the necessary feedback and guidance to the local government units that decided to adopt the CDD approach.
The World Bank approved the funding of the Kalahi-CIDSS project in 2003. Undersecretary Corazon Soliman served as its first national director. Clifford Burkeley was the project’s deputy director, and Alexander Glova was its first national project manager.
The project’s parent organization, which was composed of 200 local government units, ended in 2010. In 2010, the government provided the organization with a bridge financing of another three years to prepare for the implementation of CDD operations.
Through the project’s additional financing, which was supported by the World Bank, 182 local government units were able to implement the CDD approach. The Millennium Challenge Corporation also provided a grant to help 164 municipalities implement the program. Out of the 182 municipalities that were covered by the grant, 102 of them were new municipalities.
Due to the increasing number of local government units and communities supporting the project, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) proposed expanding the CDD program’s scope by creating a national program called the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP).
NCDDP is guided by the LET-CIDSS framework:
Localized decision-making. Projects are implemented based on a community’s decision-making process.
Empowering. People are empowered to better manage community issues and problems within the framework of a project’s planning, mobilization, implementation and resource management.
Transparent. A multi-tiered monitoring system has been established, in which the government will monitor its own programs while NGOs and other groups oversee their implementation.
Community prioritization. Each barangay participating in the MIBF is responsible for developing a proposal outlining how the funds will be spent. The community selects among these proposals and prioritizes which ones will receive funding.
Inclusive and multi-stakeholder. Everyone in the barangay is involved in every stage of project implementation, from creating the proposal to managing it once implemented.
Demand-driven. Communities should be allowed to decide how their own needs will be met and are encouraged to prioritize them.
Simple. Project procedures and components are designed to be as simple and understandable as possible to make all stakeholders comfortable participating.
Sustainable. All barangay projects will have viable long-term plans for their operations, maintenance, and sustainability.
Benefits of DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS
The National Community-Driven Development Program aims to empower barangays/communities of targeted municipalities to achieve improved access to services and participate in more inclusive local planning, budgeting, and implementation.
The National Community-Driven Development Program aims to empower communities by treating them not as passive recipients of assistance and services but as partners in development; improve local governance by improving people’s engagement with and access to their LGUs, thereby making it more democratic and participatory; and reduce poverty by implementing barangay-level projects that respond to the communities’ felt needs and problems.
The NCDDP is expected to provide the following community benefits:
better access to basic services
Improve important local poverty indices in project municipalities;
Increase the proportion of households in project municipalities reporting increased knowledge, skills, and confidence in collective participation in local governance activities.
Increase the representation of members of marginalized groups in barangay assemblies.
Laws Related to the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS Program
The goal of the CDD Bill is to establish a framework for implementing the principles of community-driven development. The whole government must adopt these principles in its various projects and activities.
The CDD Bill aims to empower the country’s marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors by promoting community participation.
What is Community-Driven Development (CDD)?
Through a community-driven development approach, community members can have a say in the development of their local areas. This type of development allows them to manage their resources and make decisions.
This development approach takes into account the various stakeholder groups in the development process and encourages them to become more involved in local development.
Communities are given the power to prioritize their needs through CDD, and they can then implement and manage solutions.
What are the key features of the CDD Bill?
The CDD Bill aims to institutionalize the concept of the national strategy for the reduction of poverty and the development of inclusive and sustainable national development. It also provides for establishing an advisory council composed of social welfare and development secretaries and local government.
Members of the advisory council include representatives from various government agencies such as the National Anti-Pillar Commission, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Agriculture. They also include officials from the Education, Health, and Human Settlements and Development Departments.
Non-government organizations that are accredited as part of the national strategy for the reduction of poverty and development may also serve as members of the council.
The CDD Bill establishes a comprehensive resource and knowledge institute that will serve as the advisory council’s policy, research, and training arm.
The KRI will support various activities, including establishing a comprehensive research and technology institute, capacity-building, and monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the CDD Bill.
How will the CDD be implemented?
CDD embraces the principles of participation, transparency, and accountability.
Through participation, CDD aims to enhance the participation of local communities in developing their communities. This process should involve the participation of both the government and the community in identifying and addressing the various issues affecting their communities.
Through participation, transparency can be maintained by allowing the community to participate in decision-making. This process can be carried out through the implementation of community-based projects.
Through participation, CDD also aims to enhance the accountability of its projects by allowing the community to participate in the evaluation and monitoring of the projects. This process can be carried out through the implementation of participatory projects.
In order to ensure that communities are actively involved in the development process, the national government agencies and local government units must develop policies for enhancing participatory governance practices, tapping community organizations, particularly the basic sectors, and responding to community needs.
These agencies should also provide information on government intervention, technical assistance, and support to partner communities for more effective community-driven planning and implementation.
They should also enable community members to meaningfully participate in the development process, ensure that community members are prioritized in receiving employment opportunities brought about by project implementation in the community, and ensure that identified community priorities are sufficiently funded.
Who will benefit from the CDD Bill?
The goal of the CDD bill is to empower Filipinos to become more involved in the society. It recognizes the right of individuals to participate in all levels of political, economic, and social decision-making.
The bill aims to provide opportunities for Filipinos who are vulnerable, marginalized, and poor to participate in the planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation of community-based programs and activities.
Who is Eligible for the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS?
The primary beneficiaries of this program are those from the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
homeless/street families
no income or low-income families
returning overseas Filipino workers
indigenous peoples
person(s) with disabilities
families in conflict-affected communities
indigent or individuals/families in especially difficult circumstances
The Project’s beneficiaries are picked from a list of the poorest provinces compiled by the National Statistics and Coordination Board (NSCB). A provincial forum of numerous stakeholders selects the 25% poorest municipalities in a province using Municipal Poverty Mapping.
Once chosen, the Project Grant is available to all barangays within the designated municipality. The total sum is computed by multiplying the number of barangays by the P300,000 allotment for each barangay.
Sub-Projects of DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS
Construction of Classrooms for Lumads (CCL) – This project collaborates with the Department of Education and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples. The aim of this project is to provide a conducive learning environment for the Lumads. The construction of classrooms aims to enhance and promote education among the Lumads in selected communities in Mindanao.
Community Driven Development Program for Indigenous Peoples (IP-CDD) – This project is spearheaded by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, both agencies of the government, to provide educational assistance programs for indigenous people in Mindanao as well as health insurance coverage.
Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KBB) – The project focuses on supporting livelihood-related priorities allowing households to generate and diversify their income, especially in times of pandemic when opportunities are limited.
DSWD National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) – This project is one of the three core poverty alleviation programs of the DSWD, alongside Patawid Pamilyang Pilipino and the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
National Community-Driven Development Program Additional Financing (KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP AF) – This aims to influence LGUs to adopt CDD principles and elements in the local planning process to promote community empowerment and better local governance. The additional financing will also support the implementation of projects and activities aligned with the NCDDP objectives and priority areas. The DSWD expects this additional financing to help reduce poverty incidence by at least 15% in all LGUs.
Video: DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS Program
DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS program empowers communities to develop their own growth and development. In this video, we see how this project has benefited these communities.
https://fb.watch/ggpxk83Pim/
Despite the progress that society has made in promoting equality for women, there is still a long way to go before we can fully realize this goal. To help strengthen the capacity of women in various areas such as Baculongan Norte, Buguias, and Sito Pugo, the DSWD continues its efforts to improve the lives of women and children in the community. The DSWD also aims to promote gender equality by providing opportunities for women and their families to achieve self-reliance.
Infographics: Details about DSWD Cash for Work Program
Here are some more details about the KALAHI program Cash-For-Work Program for your awareness:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key features of KALAHI-CIDSS?
The KALAHI-CIDSS program is the government’s response to the needs of communities in disaster-affected areas. It helps communities prepare for disasters and ensures that they are able to take care of themselves in a crisis without relying on outside aid. The program provides funding, training, and community grants to help communities become self-sufficient in their ability to respond to disasters.
The KALAHI-CIDSS program has five main features:
1) Assistance for social preparation and capability building training for LGUs and communities
2) Support funding through community grants. The funds will be released directly to the community accounts.
3) Transparency and Accountability Measures. Citizens other than public officials are involved in local planning and decision-making.
4) Community-chosen priorities are turned into projects, plans and activities and feed into the budgeting process, planning and programming of LGUs and NGAs.
5) Allowable community projects follow an open menu system; however, there is a set of disallowed activities specified on the Negative List
2. What are the project components of NCDDP?
The KC-NCDDP has three program components:
Barangay Community Sub-Grants for Planning and Investment. This component would continue to provide planning and investment grants to 676 poor municipalities that are affected by COVID-19 pandemic and other disaster events.
Local Capacity Building and Implementation Support. This component would involve the roll out of the enhanced guidelines on barangay development planning (with sharper dimension on participatory disaster response) as jointly developed by the DSWD and DILG as part of the strategy to institutionalize CDD in local government. It will also support participatory disaster risk and recovery management, focusing on rapid assessment of COVID-19 effects, as well as management of community-based preparedness and early recovery/rehabilitation.
Program Administration and Monitoring and Evaluation. This component supports the hiring of project staff and other operational systems and activities at the regional and national levels that provide oversight, coordination, and overall management of the NCDDP-AF. This component would support enhancements and streamline of the NCDDP Disaster Response Operations Modality (DROM) for alignment with the DSWD program monitoring and evaluation system.
3. What are the roles of the municipal local government units in KALAHI-CIDSS?
The municipal LGU (MLGU) plays an important role in the Project.
The development of communities requires a conducive environment. This is why the MLGU must provide a conducive environment for the participation of residents.
Through its mayor, the MLGU is responsible for ensuring that the projects of the community are prioritized.
Through the mayor and the local government, the CDD can be institutionalized through the passage of policies and ordinances.
The MLGU should also play a leading role in promoting the participation of various stakeholder groups in the development of the CDD. The mayor can utilize various structures such as the MIAC and the MDC to provide technical assistance and oversight.
The local government units should also integrate the various action plans and community development initiatives into their local development plans. The roles of the MLGU in the Project can be included in the memorandum of agreement.
4. What is the role of communities in KALAHI-CIDSS?
Through the CDD program, which is known as Kalihi-CIDSS, communities are able to participate in the process of development. Not only are they given the opportunity to control the funds for their projects, they are also given the opportunity to make key decisions for their communities.
5. How are KALAHI-CIDSS and Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) related?
Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) is a national government initiative that ensures that the needs of poor cities/municipalities are taken into account in the preparation of agency budget proposals, which are developed through a participatory planning process involving basic sectors and civil society organizations (CSOs).
Both KALAHI-CIDSS and BUB cover the same municipalities.
A link is made between CDD operation and GPBP in municipalities covered by both KALAHI-CIDSS and BUB by providing adequate sequencing and complementarity between community-level action planning utilizing CDD and municipal-level statutory local planning and GPB-coordinated budgeting. Barangays will be specifically assisted in developing and implementing priorities in their local poverty reduction action plans (LPRAPs), which will be created through a participatory community and intercommunity social and technical preparation. Community priorities in barangay LPRAPs that are underfunded due to Kalahi-CIDSS financial constraints will be lobbied for inclusion in the municipality LPRAP, which will be proposed to the BUB.
Municipalities can continue to operate CDDs with BUB funding even after the four KALAHI-CIDSS award cycles have ended. Municipalities that have completed at least four cycles of the CDD (beginning with the KALAHI-CIDSS) can use the CDD as a platform to continue the pace, scale, sustainability, and quality of social development and poverty reduction in their communities by practicing participatory development, transparent governance, and responsive governance.
6. Who will manage the funding from KALAHI-CIDSS to implement community projects?
Volunteer management committees will manage the funds in the identified beneficiary areas.
KALAHI-CIDSS will create and standardize the following technical, social process, broad transparency, and accountability procedures in all of its communities to provide protections and local checks and balances:
Orientation, training, and standard operating and procedure guides on the KC-NCDDP community social preparation, procurement, finance, and infrastructure to local communities, LGU authorities, and the general public;
The disbursement of funding to communities is divided into smaller sums and is separated into two or three tranches.
Local KC-NCDDP workers conduct preliminary assessment, due diligence, and co-signing of community requests, transactions, and reports;
Transparency in local decision-making and access to project information are achieved through community reporting of project information and progress at Barangay Assembly and community monitoring meetings, as well as public display of project information and physical and financial progress on community notice boards.
Oversight will be exercised by local government officials, members of the local development council, and the barangay treasurer by endorsing community initiatives and engaging in community debates, planning, implementation, and monitoring sessions.
Keeping the membership of various community-level project management committees diversified, with training provided in connection with organizational development on community procurement, basic financial management, project management, simple audit, and operation and maintenance.
Creating an accessible grievance and complaint system for members of the community and the general public to report any wrongdoing to the KC-NCDDP;
Providing feedback to community people and local government officials during on-site supervision, audit, and monitoring inspections carried out by KC-NCDDP staff at various levels and external supervising Missions;
Local inter-municipality audits of financial, procurement, and related transactions recorded in community records are being sponsored.
Implementation of the sanctions provision in the KC-NCDDP Memorandum of Understanding with Local Government Units and Sub-Project Agreements with Communities; and
Establishment of a computerized KC-NCDDP database containing information at the municipality level, as well as web-based reports on KC-NCDDP-funded community projects.
7. What are community projects eligible for KALAHI-CIDSS support?
The KC-NCDDP will operate on an open menu structure, allowing communities to choose the projects that best address their top objectives. The KC-NCDDP may fund the following types of projects:
Basic service subprojects. This includes communal water systems, educational buildings, health care facilities, and power.
Infrastructure for accessibility. Footbridges, access roads, and pathways are all included in this category.
Infrastructure for community common services. These include pre- and post-harvest facilities, as well as small-scale irrigation systems.
Conservation and protection of the environment. Flood control systems, sea walls, artificial reef sanctuaries, and soil protection structures are all included in this category.
Improvement of skills and competency. Ecotourism projects are among them.
Other products that are not expressly prohibited in the Negative List.
Sub-Projects and Activities Prohibited for KC-NCDDP Funding:
Weapons, chainsaws (unless used in an emergency), explosives, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, asbestos, and other potentially hazardous goods and equipment are prohibited.
The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, Republic Act 8550, restricts fishing vessels and nets from exceeding the size and weight limits.
Road construction in protected areas
Using project financing to acquire or compensate for land
Microcredit and subsistence operations involving project re-lending
Maintenance and operation of project-funded facilities
Activities for which alternative financial sources have been offered in the past
Constant government expenditures (e.g. salaries for government and LGU staff)
Demonstrations, political and religious actions, and publications
Activities that pay children under the age of 16
The exploitation of women and men of any age Travel Consumption objects or occasions
Activities that contradict existing provincial regulations or policies, such as mining and logging
Qualifying sub-projects under the KC-post-disaster NCDDP’s activities can be expanded to include items such as the purchase and use of chainsaws to gather downed trees, shelters, and equipment acquisition.
8. What is the coverage of KALAHI-CIDSS?
The municipalities listed below are eligible for KALAHI-CIDSS National Community-Driven Development Program – Additional Financing (NCDDP-AF) funding:
According to the 2009 Small Area Estimates (SAE) of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), 4th – 6th class municipalities were identified as “poor,” that is, with a poverty incidence higher than the national average of 26.5%; and 1st – 3rd class municipalities had a high incidence of poverty (40 percent or higher).
Summary
Marginalized communities often are overlooked in society, but the DSWD, through the Kalahi-CIDSS Program, aims to create a pathway for these communities to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
This can be achieved by providing social services such as education, health, housing and livelihood support programs. The DSWD aims to continue its efforts in reaching out to these communities and ensuring that they have the basic needs they deserve.
We hope you’ve learned a lot from this article and can now better understand the importance of the DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS Program.
