Legal Basis

Republic Act No. 4373 as amended by RA 5175 – Regulating the Practice of Social Work in the Philippines – Provides that no social work agency should operate unless registered with the DSWD.

Social Welfare Act of 1968 (Republic Act No. 5416) – An act providing for the comprehensive program of social welfare services designed to ameliorate the living conditions of distressed Filipinos particularly those who are handicapped by reason of poverty, youth, physical and mental disability, illness and old age or who are victims of natural calamities including assistance to members of the cultural minorities to facilitate their integration into the body politic. 

Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, Chapter 2, Section 17 – Consistent with local autonomy and decentralization, the provision for the delivery of basic services and facilities shall be devolved from the National Government to provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays so that each LGU shall be responsible for a minimum set of services and facilities in accordance with established national policies, guidelines, and standards.

Executive Order 15 s. 1998 “Redirecting the Functions and Operations of the DSWD” as amended by Executive Order 221 (2003) defined the mandate, roles, powers and functions of the DSWD – The Department (DSWD) is mandated to provide assistance to local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), other national government agencies (NGAs), people’s organizations (Pos) and other members of civil society in effectively implementing programs, projects, and services that will alleviate poverty and empower disadvantaged individuals, families and communities for an improved quality of life.

Administrative Order 11 series 2007 “Revised Standards on Residential Care Services. – The DSWD is the primary government agency responsible for caring for marginalized and disadvantaged sectors of society. As such it sets standards and provides consultative services to enable institutions, organizations and persons engaged in social welfare activities both in public and private settings to comply with said standards and monitor compliance.

RA 9344 “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006” It covers the different stages involving children at risk and children in conflict with the law from prevention to rehabilitation and reintegration. The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall ensure the effective implementation of this Act and coordination among other government agencies and other institutions focused on juvenile justice and intervention programs.

RA 9262 “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004”. It is hereby declared that the State values the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human rights. The State also recognizes the need to protect the family and its members particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security. The DSWD and LGUs shall provide the victims temporary shelter, provide counseling, psychosocial services and/or recovery, rehabilitation program and livelihoodb assistance.

RA 9257 “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003” – The DSWD, in cooperation with the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and the local government units, non-government organizations and peoples organizations for senior citizens, shall develop and implement programs on social services for senior citizens, after care and follow-up services, neighborhood support services, substitute family care.

RA 8505 “Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998”. It is the policy of the State to provide necessary assistance and protection for rape victims. Towards this end, the government shall coordinate its various agencies and non-government organizations to work hand in hand for the establishment and operation of a rape crisis center in every province and city that shall assist and protect rape victims in the litigation of their cases and their recovery. The DSWD shall be the lead agency in the establishment and operation of the Rape Crisis Center.

RA 7610 “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse Exploitation and Discrimination Act”- The Department of Justice and the DSWD in coordination with other government agencies and private sector concerned shall formulate comprehensive program to protect children against child prostitution and other sexual abuse; child trafficking, obscene publications and indecent shows; other acts of abuse; and circumstances which endanger child survival and normal development.

A Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277), an act providing for the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society and for other purposes.

Vision

Enhance the quality of life of the disadvantaged Jagnaanons through a comprehensive and efficient delivery of Social Services.

Mission

To enrich and strengthen the capability of socially disadvantaged individuals and provide equal opportunities and social services by a competent social welfare team towards a self-reliant and gender-fair society.

Mandate

Provide basic social services to the disadvantaged, depressed, oppressed, and exploited citizenry of the municipality.

Organizational Structure

• Administrative Support

• Implementation

Functions

1. Formulate measures for the approval of the Sangguniang Bayan and provide technical assistance and support to the Mayor, in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to social welfare and development services;
2. Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the Mayor, implement the same particularly those which have to do with social welfare programs and projects which the Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Bayan is empowered to provide for;
3. Identify the basic needs of the needy, the disadvantaged and the impoverished and develop and implement appropriate measures to alleviate their problems and improve their living conditions;
4. Provide relief and appropriate crisis intervention for victims of abuse and exploitation and recommend appropriate measures to deter further abuse and exploitation;
5. Assist the Mayor in implementing the Barangay level program for the total development and protection of children up to six (6) years of age;
6. Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs for the disabled, elderly, and victims of drug addiction, the rehabilitation of prisoners and parolees, the prevention of juvenile delinquency and such other activities which would eliminate or minimize the ill-effects of poverty;
7. Initiate and support youth welfare programs that will enhance the role of the youth in nation-building;
8. Coordinate with government agencies and non- governmental organizations which have for their purpose the promotion and the protection of all needy, disadvantaged, underprivileged or impoverished groups or individuals, particularly those identified to be vulnerable and high-risk to exploitation, abuse and neglect;
9. Be in the frontline of service delivery, particularly those which have to do with immediate relief during and assistance in the aftermath of man-made and natural disaster and natural calamities;
10. Recommend to the Sangguniang Bayan and advise the Mayor on all other matters related to social welfare and development services which will improve the livelihood and living conditions of the inhabitants; and
11. Perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Job Description

1. Develop plans/strategies to improve the well-being of the poor, vulnerable and disadvantage;
2. Facilitate the implementation of social welfare programs and be in the frontline of service delivery.
3. Coordinate with government agencies and non-governmental organizations which have for their purpose the promotion and protection of all the needy, particularly those identified to be vulnerable and high risk to abuse, neglect and exploitation;
4. Advocate policies and measures addressing social concerns and issues;
5. Promote and protect the rights of the poor and vulnerable sectors;
6. Ensure immediate relief and early recovery of disaster victims/survivors;
7. Facilitate social/vocational preparation for livelihood services and referral for employment services;

Specific Services

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