DSWD to help kin of anti-drug war casualties

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 25 (PNA) -- The Department of Social and Development (DSWD) has committed to assist families whose loved one are killed in the anti-drug war of the present administration.

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said the government has existing programs to support the needs of families, whose head of households surrendered to authorities or were killed because of the campaign against drugs.

The DSWD, according to Taguiwalo, is part of the government's third pillar for anti-drug program, which is reintegration and after care.

“We are the government’s arms to help the poor and as well as those in crisis. We are doing that to the best of our ability given the kind or resources that we have,” Taguiwalo said.

The official said the assistance will cover everyone, including families whose heads have been killed by vigilantes.

Through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), the DSWD partners with public and private institutions to provide training programs that will help enhance the skills of its participants to become self-sustaining and productive citizens.

The Department also provides immediate financial assistance to affected families through its Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) which offers burial, medical, education and transportation assistance.

If a child affected becomes orphaned or has no relative because of the anti-drugs campaign, the DSWD is ready to take them under custody by providing temporary care and shelter in DSWD-run centers and institutions or under community-based care support through foster care.

The agency will tap budget from existing protective services program to assist those affected in the intensified anti-drug war.

Taguiwalo stressed the need to increase the budget of the various centers and institutions of the department to ensure that the services here are implemented effectively towards the recovery of the needy, especially those who have no relatives to take care of them. (PNA)
BNB/SARWELL Q. MENIANO