Implementation of social welfare and development programs and services of Local Government Units (LGUs) in Western Visayas

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the LGU implementation of the mandatory SWD programs and services vis-a-vis human resource complement, budgetary allocation and LGU classification, issues encountered and how these were addressed by the LGU which will serve as basis of DSWD in providing technical assistance. The study used self-administered questionnaires to collect the data from 53 LGUs. This was supplemented by the secondary data particularly LGU’s Annual Investment Plan (AIP), and focused-group discussion with the Social Welfare Officers/Staff. Results revealed that the LGUs largely belong to 3rd and 4th class municipalities, with 4 to 6 staff complements and less than PhP 4M budget allocation for social welfare and services. The LSWDOs rated their overall implementation of mandatory SWD programs and services as FAIR and their overall perceived performance in five work areas of standards on SWD service delivery system as GOOD. There is significant difference in the overall implementation of mandatory program and services and LGU classification, specifically in PWD welfare program and LGU classification, and senior citizen welfare program and budget allocation. Further, there is also significant difference in the perceived performance on five work areas of standards of SWD service delivery system particularly the helping intervention and LGU classification. The commonly encountered difficulties included handling the work demand lodged at their offices especially that many have limited workforce and limited budget for social welfare and development. These together with other contributing issues, hinder the implementation of SWD programs and services at the locality. In response, several mechanism and innovations were developed by the MSWDO to cope with.