DSWD-ARMM conducts 4Ps assembly in Maguindanao

MAGUINDANAO – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) conducted its 4th round of assembly on social welfare protection, focusing on the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), for the province of Maguindanao.

The assembly was held at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat town on February 28.

Lawyer Laisa Masuhud Alamia, ARMM Executive Secretary and concurrent regional DSWD Secretary, spearheaded the event and discussed the objectives of convening all municipal officials and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of 4Ps.

She emphasized the “no fraud” policy implemented by the department; the importance of 4Ps; and the do’s and don’ts.

The municipal officials and other stakeholders lauded Secretary Alamia on her firm stand in imposing the rules and regulations of the DPWH to lessen, if not totally eradicate, irregularities in 4Ps’ implementation.

It was made clear that officials, who would be caught involved in fraudulent activities, during and after the 4Ps pay-outs to the beneficiaries, would be ousted from their respective posts and could even face criminal charges.

To reinforce this, The DSWD has already started coordinating with Smart Telecommunications Co. to setup the Infocast Messaging System. And once operational, it will enable 4Ps beneficiaries and others to send their concerns to DSWD-ARMM regarding 4Ps.

The DSWD is also coordinating with other government agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, the Commission on Elections, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in counterchecking and evaluating the list of 4Ps members.

Secretary Alamia likewise discussed the different variations of corruption in 4Ps implementation. Other than municipal officials, those at the Department of Education (Deped) and Integrated Public Health Office could also be part of corruption, she said. With this, the significant role of the Department of Health and Deped in checking and monitoring ghost beneficiaries has been underscored by the secretary.

“Naisip namin ang assembly to talk to you, to appeal to you. This serves as a warning. Magtulungan po tayo na ayusin ang problema na ito,” she said.

Aside from the different law enforcement agencies, Secretary Alamia said they have also coordinated with the Darul Ifta or the local Islamic consultative body, to provide religious guidance. She said that helping the needy in the community is not just a responsibility as public servants, but also as Muslims.

“The assembly is in accordance with Mindanao Martial Law Instruction Order No. 01 to monitor and check the local governments to ensure that the projects and programs of the government are properly implemented and delivered,” she added.

Mindanao is under an extended martial law in an effort to fight terrorism and criminality.