MANILA, (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) is implementing various programs to assist vulnerable individuals and families in Metro Manila, according to officials.
During the third episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas held in Manila, DSWD-NCR assistant regional director Benchie Gonzales highlighted the “WALANG GUTOM 2027: Food Provision through Strategic Transfer and Alternative Measures Program (FOOD STAMP),” a flagship program offering cash-based assistance through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card.
Launched in Metro Manila, the program aims to eradicate involuntary hunger and boost productivity among low-income households.
“As of May 2024, we have 1,348 beneficiaries from Tondo, Manila, and Payatas, Quezon City,” Gonzales said.
Another initiative, Oplan Pag-abot, focuses on reducing vulnerability among street children, individuals, and families.
The program, which has assisted 2,904 individuals as of May 2024, offers various interventions, services, and opportunities to help beneficiaries. One success story highlighted by Gonzales, is the story of Tatay Efren, a senior citizen who was reunited with his family after 20 years of living in the streets of Manila.
Moreover, in the education sector, DSWD-NCR, in partnership with the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR), launched the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program.
This program creates a supportive learning environment by deploying college students as tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs) to over 160,000 beneficiaries.
The DSWD-NCR’s efforts also extend to those at risk of falling below the poverty line. The Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) provides assistance to the “near poor” segment.
“AKAP is designed to prevent individuals from spiraling down below the poverty line. As of May 2024, we have assisted more than 60,000 individuals with a total disbursed amount of more than 193 million pesos,” Gonzales added.
These programs demonstrate the DSWD-NCR’s commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged communities in Metro Manila.
The goal is to build a more resilient and self-sufficient community by addressing immediate needs while promoting long-term growth.
The weekly Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum is a project of the Presidential Communications Office and the Philippine Information Agency-National Capital Region. (PIA-NCR)
