DSWD to track Yolanda-displaced beneficiaries

BENEFICIARIES of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who moved out of their original places to live in areas not affected by the supertyphoon Yolanda can still get their monthly monetary aid.

All they have to do is to report to the social welfare officer in their new location, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7).

Aileen Lariba, regional information officer of DSWD, told Cebu Daily News that some of the beneficiaries affected by the supertyphoon had temporarily transferred to other areas.

“They just need to show up in the city or municipal office of DSWD where they are currently residing in order for them to be interviewed and identified,” Lariba added.

Because of the typhoon, some beneficiaries also lost their Pantawid IDs, cards and other documents certifying that they are beneficiaries of the program.

Lariba said there is no cause for worry because the DSWD can verify their membership with the Manila office.

Those with no intention of returning to their original locales will have to inform the DSWD office in their new residence so data can be updated. As soon as the new information is verified and included in the records, they may receive their benefits.

Beneficiaries of the program are enrolled in the PhilHealth medical insurance for indigent families. They receive P500 for their health needs and P300 for the educational needs of each of a maximum of three children.

They are required to go to the health center once a month to avail of free immunizations for their children and the family must attend a monthly “development session.”

The DSWD-7 has attendance sheets at the health center to monitor the beneficiaries’ attendance, as well as in schools to monitor the children.