The government has launched new social welfare programs to create opportunities and improve Filipino lives.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced these initiatives Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) 74th anniversary at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.
“Every single centavo spent, every program that is implemented, every decision that has been made must serve a very clear purpose: to create opportunities that endure, that uplift, and reach far beyond just today,” said Marcos Jr.
Among the new initiatives:
- Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS): Streamlines license and permit applications
- Minors Traveling Abroad System: Modernizes travel clearance for children to ensure safety; and
- Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas Program: Supports families through three components—Bagong Pamilyang Pilipino, Bumabangon sa Gitna ng mga Hamon, and Maunlad at Matatag na Pamilya.
The President also highlighted the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which has helped 4.05 million households, with 678,000 families reaching self-sufficiency. More than one million high school students and 477,000 elementary school children have graduated under the program.
He noted that 270,902 Filipinos benefited from the Sustainable Livelihood Program, 4.28 million seniorsreceived aid in 2024, and 7.4 million families received Quick Response Fund (QRF) assistance, with 540,396benefiting from early recovery services.
Marcos Jr. praised the DSWD’s dedication, calling its staff the “first to respond, last to sleep” during crises.
“While others sought shelter from the storm, you walked into the chaos to deliver relief. You have saved lives, brought hope, and demonstrated the true power of compassion,” the Chief Executive said.IMT
