As part of its efforts to observe safety and health protocols during the community quarantine period, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is providing subsidized meals, transportation, and accommodation arrangements to its skeletal workforce responding to the current public health emergency.

The measure is in relation to the directive of Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista to ensure the safety and security of on-duty personnel who are vital for the continuation of efficient DSWD operations during the enhanced community quarantine.

Staff who will render work at the DSWD Central Office (CO) will be provided with subsidized breakfast and lunch for the whole duration of the enhanced community quarantine, including weekends. These include social workers, technical and administrative staff, security personnel, drivers, and janitorial and utility services staff.

The Department will also deploy vehicles to transport DSWD personnel from their respective residences to the DSWD CO.

For those who opt to stay overnight at the DSWD CO, 50 personnel (25 female and 25 male) will be accommodated at the DSWD Malasakit Auditorium. Basic beddings will be provided to each employee. Social distancing and health safety measures will also be imposed at the Department at all times.

To date, DSWD has delivered close to 50,000 family food packs as initial augmentation to local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region, Regions III, V, VIII, XI, Cordillera Autonomous Region, and CARAGA, in fulfillment of its mandate to provide them with technical assistance and resource augmentation (TARA) during emergencies.  The Department will continue to deliver relief supplies to LGUs.

DSWD ensures the delivery of unhampered public service during this critical period without prejudice to the health and safety of its personnel and beneficiaries. -30-