Sen. Bong Go expressed his support for the proposed budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and its attached agencies as he underscored the vital role of the department in developing efficient social protection programs that shall benefit the most disadvantaged sectors nationwide.
On Wednesday, 12 October, during a budget hearing conducted by the Committee on Finance in the Senate, Go echoed DSWD’s vision to end poverty and ensure that every Filipino has equal access to opportunities.
He then stressed the need to allocate sufficient funds in order to implement stronger and better mechanisms targeted for the poor.
“I cannot overemphasize the importance of this Department. Trabaho ko po ito noon pa, when it comes to making sure that our fellow countrymen are given sufficient and adequate social services for their daily basic needs. Importante po dito, sir, walang magutom na mga kababayan. Alam kong alam mo po iyan, iyan din po ang priority ninyo,” Go highlighted.
Go then urged DSWD officials to create a more efficient system to ensure mechanisms are implemented properly and the delivery of government assistance to those in crisis situations are given promptly.
“We must make sure that every peso goes directly to our less fortunate countrymen, most especially in these trying times. Yung mga mahihirap po ang dapat makinabang po dito. Gamitin po natin ang pondo sa tama upang maipa-abot natin ang tulong sa mahihirap at nangangailangan nating kababayan,” the senator emphasized.
“Paalala ko lang po sa DSWD, lagi po nating unahin ang kapakanan ng ating kapwa lalo na ngayong krisis — yung mga mahihirap, yung mga helpless, mga hopeless nating mga kababayan. Magtulungan lang po tayo. Magbayanihan po tayo para maiwasan natin ang hindi pagkakaunawaan at para magkaisa ang ating bansa sa panahong ito,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Go commended DSWD for its existing assistance programs, such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens, among others, that have significantly helped vulnerable Filipinos, especially amid the ongoing pandemic.