By Helen Castaño | 10:32 PM September 15, 2022
Sec. Erwin Tulfo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2022 announced that the agency’s budget for this year is running out.
“To tell you honestly, ito ay walang bolahan. Ang pera na lang po ng DSWD para sa medical, burial, transportation less than P1 billion na lang,” said Tulfo during his visit in Bohol.
The topic was brought out when Pilar Mayor Wilson Pajo was asking for help for at least 7,000 families in his town, who were victims of typhoon Odette, didn’t receive theP5,000 calamity assistance.
Tulfo said he was shocked when he learned from Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado during the latter’s visit that at least 295,000 families in Bohol who were victims of typhoon Odette are awaiting for the P5,000 cash assistance from DSWD.
Typhoon Odette hit Bohol and some Visayas region on Dec. 16, 2021.
The cash assistance was promised then by former president Duterte.
“Abi nako gamay lang… Akala ko P5 million, eh 1 billion. Hapit ko matumba sa semento. Dako mana,” said Tulfo.
“Kamo kinahanglan ninyo P1 billion if hatag ninyo, wala nami kuwarta. Maluoy mo namo ug sa ubang probinsya,” said Tulfo.
Aumentado said there were only 135, 474 families who received P5,000. DSWD has unpaid of P749,480 million, which according to Tulfo, the agency could not pay as of this time.
He added that the DSWD is also seeking to source funding from lawmakers to help the victims.
“Ilapit ko sa mga congressman, naay utang ang DSWD sa taga Bohol,” said Tulfo who will face the Congress for the plenary deliberations on the budget proposal of the department.
Many provinces have stopped the educational assistance payouts
for indigent students because the funds provided by its central office have run out.
DSWD has stopped accepting online applications for its educational aid amid a high volume of requests.