DSWD suspends fund transfers to LGUs

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has suspended fund transfers to local government units (LGUs) to implement their social services programs.

The DSWD main office ordered the suspension in a memorandum issued to its regional offices, Evangeline Poquita, DSWD-Zamboanga peninsula promotive services chief, said.

“To ensure that no one will cast doubt and to address concerns that DSWD funds will be used in the upcoming elections, we received a memo from our secretary that there will be no fund transfer to LGUs for DSWD programs and services,” Poquita said.

She said fund transfers for social pension and supplemental feeding were among those suspended.

Poquita said cash transfers under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps would not be affected, noting that the Land Bank of the Philippines is facilitating the payout to beneficiary families.

Poquita also gave assurance that no 4Ps beneficiary would be delisted if they will not vote for incumbent local officials seeking reelection.

“It was proven in previous elections that politicians cannot recommend to delist... beneficiaries only because they will not vote for them,” she said.

The DSWD said the conditions for the release of 4Ps grants are for beneficiaries to attend family development sessions, their children to attend their classes regularly and avail themselves of medical checkup and vaccines in health centers.