THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it allotted around P20 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) program that aims to protect the marginalized, disadvantaged or vulnerable members of society.
According to DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the amount will go to the DSWD’s Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances (PSIFDC) program, which aims to provide crucial financial assistance to an estimated 3.9 million beneficiaries across the country.
“We are strengthening social protection measures to ensure that no one will be left behind, especially the marginalized and vulnerable sectors. This is the mandate of our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and we will make sure to exert all necessary efforts to make this attainable,” Secretary Pangandaman emphasized.
An important element of the PSIFDC program is the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) initiative that eyes to provide a comprehensive range of services such as cash assistance for food, transportation, medical services, funeral costs, and other essential needs of those who are disadvantaged, marginalized, or vulnerable.
In his Budget Message, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. acknowledged the continuing impact of the pandemic on the nation.
“The harsh effects of the pandemic are still heavily felt by many, especially the most vulnerable. To address this, I have approved the National Economic Development Authority’s (NEDA) recommendation for the Social Protection Floor (SPF) framework which aims to institutionalize the existing social protection programs,” the President said.