In pursuant to the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP) of the Duterte Administration, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI assessed the dependents of the killed-in-action military and police personnel within Davao Region for possible assistance under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

The assessment was done by DSWD during a three-day capacity training for the dependents held at the RTC Korea Philippines Vocational Training Center in Buhisan, Tibungco on May 24-26, spearheaded by the Department of National Defense (DND) and in partnership with other national government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Housing Authority (NHA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), among others.

As one of the front-liners in terms of augmentation of the economic sufficiency of DSWD beneficiaries, the Department assisted in identifying proposed businesses and skills training for the dependents through one-on-one assessment with them.

Under the CSBP, the dependents through the different agencies of government will benefit from services of various national agencies such as: Special Financial Assistance amounting to P250,000 from the Office of the President, and additional  P250,000 for livelihood upon completion of Capacity Training and Capability Building for Financial Management Skills and Livelihood.

DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo said that the families left behind by the fallen soldiers and police personnel need all the assistance which can be provided to help them cope with the difficulties they may encounter because of the loss of their loved ones. She added that this initiative is being done nationwide and not just in Davao.

The Secretary emphasized, “Nothing can bring back those they have lost,  but the services and programs of government can help the families at least in starting over, without the added worry of not knowing where they will get the resources for their expenses, especially when it comes to health and education needs in cases where there are children,” Sec. Taguiwalo said.

“Giving back to the dependents of our slain soldiers is the Duterte government’s way of showing that it has compassion for its troops and appreciation for the services rendered by their family members who were killed in defense of the country,” Sec. Taguiwalo emphasized. #