Posted on by Nicole Kasandra Lipawen

Underscoring its commitment to community welfare and disaster preparedness, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1  (DSWD FO 1) recently conducted Information Serbisyo Caravan cum Food-for-Training for vulnerable and indigent residents in Laoac, Pangasinan and Burgos, La Union, consecutively.

The event is in collaboration with the Local Government Units which served as a platform for the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs) to share the programs and services available in their respective municipalities. It also highlights the distinction between DSWD as the national government agency and the role of Local Social Welfare and Development Offices, emphasizing the coordinated effort required to address community needs.

Meanwhile, representatives from the DSWD FO 1 discussed family disaster preparedness, equipping participants with essential knowledge to mitigate the impact of calamities. Additionally, attendees were briefed on the diverse coverage of DSWD programs and services to assist in times of crisis. It was expounded that the barangay will first provide assistance, followed by the municipal and provincial level. If the aid given by the said offices is still insufficient, it will be endorsed to the national government agency, such as DSWD, for augmentation support.

After the discussions, each beneficiary was provided one (1) family food pack. To date, a total of 5,212 Family Food Packs have been distributed to indigent beneficiaries through Food-for-Training across Region 1.

The DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation beneficiaries (left to right, first and second photos) and Food-for-Training participants happily receives their cash assistance and Family Food Packs

As part of the Information Serbisyo Caravan cum Food-for-Training, a total of PhP225,000.00 in financial assistance was expended through DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation to the identified individuals facing crises, particularly those assessed with urgent medical needs.

The Information Serbisyo Caravan aims to bridge the gap between national and local assistance programs, ensuring that support reaches those most in need, and discusses the programs and services the Department may offer, while the Food-for-Training program focuses on fortifying disaster resilience. As communities navigate various challenges, initiatives like these serve as pillars of solidarity and resilience, fostering a more resilient society at the grassroots level. By: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Information Officer II – Disaster Response Management Division