The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has been granted an exemption from the election spending ban by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). This exemption will allow DSWD-Davao to continue operating 28 essential programs and services, ensuring uninterrupted support for vulnerable communities in Davao Region.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has confirmed that key social programs will continue uninterrupted despite the election spending ban . This assurance comes after the Commission on Elections ( Comelec ) granted an exemption to DSWD-Davao, allowing them to operate 28 essential programs and services. DSWD-Davao regional director Merlinda Paragamac made the announcement during the Kapehan sa Dabaw event held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at SM City Davao.
Paragamac stated, 'Gi grant ang DSWD ug exemption sa COMELEC with our 28 programs and services so we can operate regularly.' This means vital programs and services will continue to support vulnerable communities in Davao Region.Among the programs exempt from the election spending ban are the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap), Walang Gutom Program (WGP), and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS). Several key initiatives, like the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Services for Residential and Center-Based Clients, Supplementary Feeding Program, and Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, are also unaffected by the spending restrictions. Furthermore, the Implementation of the Centenarians Act, Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances (both COMBASED and PROPER), and Services to Displaced Persons will continue. Comelec has also allowed the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons, Assistance to Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens, and the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction to proceed. Other exempted initiatives include Kalahi-CIDSS-KKB, the Philippines Multisectoral Nutrition Project, Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon, and PAMANA programs focused on peace, development, and livelihood support. Additional exemptions cover programs like the Pag-Abot Program, KALAHI-CIDSS – National Community Driven Development Program, Beneficiary First Project, Trust Receipt, and the Tara Basa Tutoring Program. The Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty, Social Technology Development and Enhancement, and financial assistance for qualified beneficiaries will also remain unaffected by the spending ban. Comelec chairman George Garcia has warned politicians against interfering in the distribution of DSWD assistance. This reminder follows a Senate hearing on February 3, 2025, where a DSWD official admitted that some politicians had been involved in the controversial distribution of the AKAP program. As the campaign season for the May 2025 midterm elections begins, the 90-day campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates kicked off on February 11, while those running for the House of Representatives and other local positions will start their campaigns on March 28. The election spending ban remains in effect for most activities, but with the DSWD exemption, essential social services will continue to reach those in need
DSWD-Davao Comelec Election Spending Ban Social Programs Vulnerable Communities Mindanao Philippines
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