• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas yesterday said that no cuts or commissions are being imposed on financial assistance released to beneficiaries.
“We do not tolerate any act of getting cuts in the assistance that we release. Definitely, getting commissions from the aid that we are releasing is a big no-no,” DSWD6 director Arwin Razo stressed in a statement, as he warned that the department will not hesitate to file appropriate charges against the wrongdoers.
Razo issued the warning after reports have reached his office of people allegedly asking for commissions or cuts from recipients of DSWD programs.
“To our partner-beneficiaries, whenever we process and release assistance, that is intended for you. You are not bound to give commission to anyone or allow cuts to the assistance provided by DSWD,” he said.
Razo said the DSWD remains dedicated to ensuring that assistance is delivered directly to the rightful recipients.
DSWD programs that entail payouts include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, sustainable livelihood program, or the release of livelihood grant; social pension for the elderly; Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), or medical, burial, and food assistance to qualified recipients; and the cash for work, or payout in exchange for work rendered.
The DSWD also warned the public about fake online posts on AKAP.
“The department received reports on various social media posts from online groups and pages that contain announcements aimed to misinform the public about the programs and services of the DSWD, specifically the AKAP program,” DSWD assistant secretary Irene Dumlao, the agency’s spokesperson, said in a statement.
Dumlao reminds the public to be wary of misleading information spreading on social media about AKAP. | CGC
