By Zaldy De Layola

EASY ACCESS. An undated aid distribution event of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Results of a Pulse Asia survey conducted Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, 2024 showed that majority of the respondents were able to easily access the programs and services of the DSWD. (Photo courtesy of DSWD)

MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday said the latest Pulse Asia “Ulat ng Bayan” survey, indicating that 57 percent of total respondents have received much-needed assistance, affirms its effective service delivery.

The results of the survey conducted Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, 2024 showed that of those who received assistance, 73 percent said easily accessed the programs and services of the DSWD.

“This is an affirmation of the Department’s continuous effort making programs and services readily available and more accessible to the public,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a news release.

The DSWD spokesperson said the survey results will serve as a baseline to keep on improving systems and innovating approaches to make the agency’s services truly responsive to the needs of the public.

Nais natin na gawing mas mabilis ang pag-access sa mga program natin lalo para sa nangangailangan ngunit sinisigurado pa rin natin na nasa quality standard ang mga ito. Mahalaga din na ang mga kababayan natin sa buong bansa ay nakaka-avail at nakakaalam ng mga programa (We want to make our programs even more accessible, especially those in need, but we also ensure that they are of quality standards. It is also important that Filipinos nationwide can avail and well-informed of the programs,” Dumlao said.

The social protection programs provided by DSWD, as indicated in the Ulat ng Bayan (Report to the Nation), include the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, and Disaster Response and Early Recovery initiatives.

Respondents of the Pulse Asia survey were equally divided from the National Capital Region, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Of those expressing easy access to the services and programs, 75 percent were from the Visayas and Mindanao. (PNA)