BAGUIO CITY – Since 2016, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here has provided P2.67 million worth of assistance to individuals included in the most-at-risk population, particularly persons living with HIV (PLHIV) who have been assessed to be eligible for financial assistance for their medical, educational, burial, food, and transportation needs.
Of the total assistance, majority were released in 2018 with P 1.6M provided to 157 clients, while in 2017, P700,000 was provided to 140 clients and P120,000 to 24 PLHIV in 2016. For the 1st quarter of 2019, P 250,000 have already been released to 50 clients with an additional P250,000 on process for release this 2nd quarter.
The provision of assistance is through the initiative of the DSWD which follows the guidelines of the Department’s Protective Service Program.
“We provide our assistance to our clients living with HIV through our Crisis Intervention Section. Our designated social worker assesses these clients and the documents they submit for us identify the proper intervention that can be provided to them,” DSWD-CAR Director Janet P. Armas said.
The Department uses the social technology Referral System for the Care and Support Services for Persons Living with HIV to facilitate the collaboration of service providers and government agencies to provide care and support to PLHIV.
This is further facilitated with the active participation of the DSWD as a member of the Regional AIDS Assistance Team (RAAT) with the representation of Ronilo Flores as the focal person and Ms. Marissa Fortes as the alternate.
Aside from the provision of assistance, the DSWD has continuously contributed to AIDS/HIV awareness by conducting orientations and film showing to its personnel.
“We recognize the challenges brought by the presence of HIV cases in the region and the DSWD-CAR will continue to provide its support to endeavors in addressing this and in helping our clients ease the difficulties they face at this chapter of their lives.” Director Armas shared.
By Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva
