The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expressed satisfaction with the recent Social Weather Stations survey, which revealed that 59% of adult Filipinos approve of the Marcos administration’s overall performance. Conducted between December 12 and 18, 2024, the survey also showed 23% dissatisfaction and 17% undecided responses, resulting in a net satisfaction rating of +36, deemed ‘good’ by the agency.
The administration received ‘very good’ ratings in key areas such as disaster victim assistance (+65), education quality improvement (+60), poverty alleviation (+57), job creation (+51), and science and technology development (+51). Additionally, ‘good’ ratings were achieved in housing programs for the poor (+49), food security (+46), public transportation efficiency (+45), typhoon preparedness (+44), climate change response (+38), government transparency (+34), and defending national sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (+32).
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group credited the favorable ratings to the Marcos administration’s whole-of-nation approach. She emphasized the DSWD’s role in social protection and its commitment to improving programs for the disadvantaged and marginalized.
In terms of disaster preparedness, Dumlao highlighted the Buong Bansa Handa (BBH) program, which utilizes dual supply chain mechanisms involving both government and private sector partnerships to efficiently respond to disaster needs. The DSWD also employs a Disaster Response Command Center, Mobile Command Centers, and mobile kitchens to enhance disaster response capabilities.
For social protection, the DSWD is enhancing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) by introducing the First 1,000 Days grant, aimed at supporting pregnant women and young children with monthly health grants of PHP350. Other ongoing initiatives include the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, Sustainable Livelihood Program, and the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan program.
To address food security, the DSWD’s Walang Gutom program collaborates with various organizations to reduce involuntary hunger. The Walang Gutom Kitchen initiative transforms surplus food into meals for those in need, launched in December 2024.
The DSWD also focuses on mitigating climate change impacts through the Project LAWA at BINHI, which aims to maintain agricultural productivity and manage water resources effectively.
In education, the DSWD’s Tara, Basa! program, launched in 2023 and expanded in 2024, supports struggling Grade 2 students and involves poor college students in nation-building through a cash-for-work scheme.
Lastly, the DSWD emphasizes transparency and accountability through regular live stream programs that provide updates and engage with stakeholders and beneficiaries. Assistant Secretary Dumlao expressed gratitude for the public’s trust and reiterated the DSWD’s commitment to contributing to the Marcos administration’s success under Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s leadership.