2.6B released to DSWD for social pension, other social welfare programs

MANILA, May 31 – The total budget approved by Congress for social pension and other social welfare programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was released last week, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The amount of P2.6-billion, which is part of the “For Later Release” (FLR) appropriation under the DSWD budget this year, will fund the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances, Supplementary Feeding Program, and the development of plans and policies under the DSWD-Office of the Secretary.

The breakdown is as follows:

PROGRAM/PROJECT                                                                                                 AMOUNT

Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens                                                          P1,200,000,000

Protective Services for individuals and families in difficult circumstances      1,157,597,000

Supplementary feeding program                                                                               218,000,000

Other activities                                                                                                               8,951,000

TOTAL                                                                                                                   P 2,584,548,000

“Aside from the conditional cash transfer program, the administration continues to make social safety nets available for families and individuals in need through specialized social welfare programs. The latest release will support DSWD in this end”, DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

Under National Budget Circular 561, appropriations under FLR require submission of special budget request, along with the financial plan, physical plan, and monthly disbursement program—all accomplished by DSWD. (DBM)