DAVAO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Operations Gemma D. Dela Cruz, RSW, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to non-partisanship in delivering assistance to its beneficiaries, amid discussions on community events and beneficiary support activities.
“DSWD is non-partisan. So wala gyud mi ginikilingan kung kinsa ug unsa. We are there to provide assistance to our beneficiaries.” Dela Cruz said.
(DSWD is non-partisan. So we do not favor anyone or anything. We are there to provide assistance to our beneficiaries.)
She clarified that while politicians may attend DSWD-facilitated gatherings, but the agency does not initiate invitations or control community-level access.
“In the event na mag-visit o mag-attend, so we are not in control of that… Basta kami, we are not there to invite them.” Dela Cruz said.
(In the event that they visit or attend, we are not in control of that… As for us, we are not there to invite them.)
The DSWD also underscored its compliance with COMELEC guidelines, especially in times when political sensitivities are heightened.
“We are also compliant with the COMELEC guidance nga gi-provide sa atoang opisina.” Dela Cruz said. (We are also compliant with the COMELEC guidance that was provided to our office.)
This reiteration of neutrality reinforces DSWD’s role in serving the public regardless of political affiliations, focusing solely on the needs and welfare of its clients. (REC / PIA XI)
