Republic of the Philippines PROVINCE OF ALBAY Legazpi City

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is responsible in the delivery of basic social welfare and development programs and MANDATE services for the poor, needy and disadvantaged so as to enable them to become productive and participating members of the society.

The PSWDO shall uphold the rights and ensure the full integration of disadvantaged Albayanos in the mainstream of MISSION development.

We envision of a department with competent social welfare and development team whose delivery of timely and appropriate social VISION protection programs and services contribute to an improved quality of life of the marginalized sectors of the province.

 To enable more comprehensive delivery of social services  To promote the rights and welfare of the constituents and enable the reintegration of target clientele to the mainstream GOALS of the society.

Improved and efficient delivery of programs and services ORGANIZATIONAL resulting to the enhancement of social functioning of every individual OUTCOME in the province.

STRUCTURE

Eva A. Grageda, RSW, Ph.D Officer In-Charge

Mary Rose L. Refugia, RSW Administrative Aide IV

Michelle C. Lee

Statistician Aide I

Administrative Section Administrative

Inocencia L. Cadag, RSW Social Welfare Officer IV

Maria Vivien A. Cea, RSW Social Welfare Officer II

Emma C. Nisola, RSW

Social Welfare Officer I Special Assistance DivisionAssistance Special

Eva A. Grageda (Concurrent OIC) Social Welfare Officer IV

Melita A. Fesalbon Administrative Officer II-PA's Office (detailed)

Karisse Kristin A. Kilayko Division Administrative Officer II

Hazel Lynn D. Bartolome

Nurse II-PHO (detailed) Relief and Rehabilitationand Relief

Since March 2020 up to this date, we have witnessed and experienced the extreme impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic not just on the health but moreso on the social and economic impacts. The recent occurrence of typhoons further aggravated the deplorable living condition of the people. The poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged have been affected the hardest – the sectors in need most of social welfare programs and services. The health crisis and its measures to control its spread have restricted the services and responsibilities carried out by the social workers and the workforce of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

The PSWDO is needed and challenged to creative and innovative ways and strategies to apply professional values and privileges in meeting the demands and fulfilling the mandate in the face of the pandemic and other emergencies. The department is faced with difficulties in delivering social welfare programs and services, hence, has to balance client’s rights, needs and risks against personal risks to social workers and support staff in order to serve the clients.

The need for self-care of staff when working in unsafe and risky circumstances needs to be given attention. Conduct of home or field visit and face-to-face interaction is restricted per IATF health protocol. This warrants the need to develop alternative mode of delivering social protection programs. The use of coordination skills ha overcome the barriers in communication among stakeholders which enables the PSWDO to successful carry out project and activity implementation.

Employing digital technology should be considered to be able to reach out and respond to client’s needs and problems.

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT January – December 2020

II. AID TO INDIVIDUAL IN CRISIS SITUATION

The PSWDO in its aim to alleviate the indigent clients from their various crisis situation continued with its efforts to deliver services amidst the pandemic COVID-19.

Following COVID-19 health protocols, the PSWDO social workers conducted interviews and assessments and served the following eligible clients in order to address various needs to wit: • Medical Assistance to 1,334 clients

• Burial Assistance to 516 clients • Emergency Shelter Assistance to 12 clients

Total clients served : 1,862 Total amount : ₱ 7,000,000.00

Counselling and referral service are also done whenever necessary to individuals requiring further assistance or cannot be served by the office.

II. WOMEN WELFARE PROGRAM

The program aims to promote the welfare of the disadvantaged women and provide opportunities to develop their skills and capacities and contribute to their families and communities. The Albay Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina Nasyonal is the women’s organization being supported and guided by PSWDO. There are 17 city and municipal KALIPI Federations except Legazpi City in the province. There are a total of 15,677 women aged 18-59 years old who registered as members of the organization in the different barangays in Albay. The office also coordinates and works with the concerned national agencies and non- government organizations to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the program.

 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO DISADVANTAGED WOMEN

Delivered support services to address needs in terms of legal, medical, livelihood and transportation of 5 women in especially difficult circumstances from the different LGUs of Albay. The cost of assistance totaled to ₱15,000.00.

 ALBAY KALIPI FEDERATION

Participated and facilitated the January and February 2020 meetings of the Albay Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina Nasyonal (KALIPI) Federation to report and update the status of the KALIPI federations and to address emerging needs and issues regarding the women welfare in the province.

SUPPORT TO MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM The Municipalities of Daraga and Manito received one (1) unit of desktop computer with printer each provided by the Provincial Government of Albay through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office. The units will be used by the Women

and Children Protection Unit or Multi- disciplinary Team handling Women and Children Program to have database of women and children and also to ensure the confidentiality of cases and reports.

PROVISION OF NOCHE BUENA PACKAGE Noche Buena packs were received by 1,000 KALIPI Officers and members.

PROVISION OF SEWING MACHINES Two (2) units of ordinary sewing machines will help the KALIPI of Malilipot in their livelihood which is the making of pillowcases, curtains and potholders.

III – OLDER PERSONS WELFARE PROGRAM

Consonant with constitutional principles and national laws on senior citizens, this program seeks to promote the welfare of the senior citizens and provide them equal opportunities to ensure that they lead productive and meaningful lives by instituting policies, strategies, mechanisms and services beneficial to their sector. To date, there are 110, 987 persons who registered as senior citizens in the province.

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

o Medical Assistance Assistance amounting to ₱ 1,229,000.00 was extended to families of 326 indigent senior citizens needing financial assistance for their medication and hospitalization needs.

o Burial Assistance Assistance amounting to ₱ 1,655,000.00 was extended to families of 331 deceased indigent senior citizens.

INCENTIVES FOR CENTENARIANS

In support to the implementation of RA 10868 otherwise known as the “Centenarians Act CENTENARIAN of 2016”, 15 living centenarians in Albay received Php 50,000.00 cash incentive each with the grand total of Php 750,000.00 and a Letter of Felicitation from the Provincial Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution to recognize and honor their contribution to their families and society.

Solidad A. Arienda Generosa R. Manayoba Bigaa, Legazpi City Herrera, Ligao City

PROVISION OF ASSISTIVE DEVICES TO SENIOR CITIZENS To maintain functional independence and to help with the daily activities of elderly despite physical and cognitive decline as their age increases, 90 physically impaired senior citizens were granted wheelchair, 80 were beneficiary of quad cane, and 400 received reading eyeglasses.

ASCA AND OSCA HEADS MEETINGS

The Albay Senior Citizens Association (ASCA), composed of the presidents of the 18 city municipal senior citizens’ associations, convenes every 2nd Tuesday of the month for its regular meeting of the different city and municipal federation presidents who formed part of the attendance. PSWDO provided the meals and recommended for ₱1, 000.00 monthly cash incentive each to show support for their active participation in strengthening the organization and be able to monitor regularly the status of project implementation. The Albay League of Office of Senior Citizens Affairs Heads (ALOH) also meet monthly. The officers of the League are also provided with monthly cash incentive and meals during their meetings. Meetings in January and February 2020 of the organization were conducted prior to the imposition of the community quarantine.

CAPABILITY BUILDING

 Therapeutic Gardening Using Organic Agriculture for Senior Citizens The Provincial Government of Albay through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Albay Provincial Agriculture Office conducted Orientation on Therapeutic Gardening Using Organic Agriculture for Senior Citizens of the Province of Albay at the Albay Farmer's Bounty Village. About 100 senior citizens attended the activity.

The activity is an opportunity for our senior citizens to get their exercise, reduce stress and facilitate interaction between the residents and the healing elements of nature.

 Distribution of Seeds to Senior Citizens In line with the celebration of the National Elderly Filipino Week with the theme: "Healthy and Productive Aging Starts with Me", the Provincial Government of Albay through the PSWDO and APAO launched its Food Gardening Project for Senior Citizens. The said project is a competition for senior citizens in Albay which aims to promote mental health among senior citizens through urban and backyard gardening and promote easy access to healthy and safe food among the elderly.

 Conduct of the Search for Best Urban and Backyard Garden for Senior Citizens There were 204 Senior Citizens from 17 LGUs who participated in the Search for the Best Urban and Rural Backyard Garden were awarded at the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO), Cabangan, Camalig Albay. The major winners are as follows:

Urban Garden Rural Garden 1st Place (₱ 20,000.00) – Tiwi 1st Place (₱ 20,000.00) – Oas 2nd Place (₱ 12,000.00) – Malinao 2nd Place (₱ 12,000.00) – Pioduran 3rd Place (₱ 8,000.00) – Legazpi 3rd Place (₱ 8,000.00) – Camalig

This activity was done in partnership with APAO and C/MSWDOS and staff, and PSWDO, which aims to provide venue for the Senior Citizens sectors a way to cope with the health crisis which caused them isolation, stress and anxiety, as well as promote food security and make them productive members of the society.

 PROVISION OF NOCHE BUENA PACKAGE A total of 1,500 senior citizens were given Noche Buena packs.

IV. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWD) WELFARE

The program is intended to support the full participation and total integration of person with disabilities into the mainstream of our society. To realize these objectives, enabling mechanism, policies and services need to be placed and carried out through the collaboration of government and different stakeholders. To date, there are 13,187 persons who are registered as Persons with Disability.

REGULAR MEETINGS The total amount of 156,000.00 as cash incentives provided to 27 officers of Albay Federation of Persons with Disabilities (AFPWD) and Albay Women with Disabilities (AWWD) who attended monthly meetings.

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE o Provided Php 1,040,000.00 worth of Medical Assistance to 326 beneficiaries o Provided Php 115,000.00 worth of Burial Assistance to 23 beneficiaries o 37 members of the Visually Impaired Voice of Albay (VIVA) were granted with financial assistance

PROVISION OF ASSISTIVE DEVICE TO PWDs To aid their mobility, 100 orthopedically impaired persons received wheelchair, 20 PWDs availed of crutches and 24 children benefited from pedia wheelchair. The assistive devices were given during the Medical, Dental and Optical Mission sponsored by the Provincial Government of Albay.

FOOD FOR WORK PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Albay Provincial Agriculture Office distributed family food packs to the 745 Persons with Disabilities of the 17 LGUs of Albay, who took part in the Albay Communal Garden Activity of the PGA.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITY STUDENTS

With the aim to encourage students with disabilities pursue their education especially at this time of pandemic, 887 students enrolled in elementary, 477 high school students and 128 college levels were recipients of the assistance with a total amount of ₱ 2,227,000.00.

PROVISION OF NOCHE BUENA PACKAGE Noche Buena packs were handed to 1,500 Persons with Disabilities.

V- CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE PROGRAM

Pursuant to Memorandum Circular 2012-120 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government mandating local government units to allocate one percent (1%) internal revenue allotment for its strengthening and implementation of program, projects and activities for children, this program will be undertaken to ensure that the different rights of children are addressed, upheld and protected.

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

- Provided 3 children in need of special protection worth P3k each with a total of P9,000.00 - Provided 1/3 share for the care and reformation of 12 Albayano who are children in conflict with the law under the custody of Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY).

ADDITIONAL INCENTIVE FOR ACCREDITED CHILD DEVELOPMENT WORKERS (CDWs)

Of the total 868 registered CDWs of Albay, 637 of them garnered DSWD accreditation for having met satisfactorily at least the standards of providing quality and

early childhood care and development. The accredited CDWs were given monthly cash incentives from the PGA. This prerequisite for the granting of the said incentive from the Provincial Government could have contributed to the biggest number of accredited CDWs in the Bicol Region which had earned the province an award from DSWD FO V in 2019. For the year 2020, a total amount of ₱ 3,795,000.00 was extended to them as cash incentive.

LAUNCHING OF SUPPLEMENTAL FRESH MILK PROJECT In coordination with Albay Veterinary Office, the PSWDO launched its Supplemental Fresh Milk Project on September 16, 2020, at Cabangan, Camalig Albay. It was participated in by the C/MSWDOs and the Child Development Workers (CDWs) of Albay with the presence of BM Glenda Bongao, OIC PSWDO Dr. Eva Grageda and VG Grex Lagman, as representative of the Governor. The Project is intended to promote good nutrition among children especially this time of health emergency. The underweight and the severely underweight children enrolled in the Child Development Centers (CDC) are the priority beneficiaries of the project.

JOINT MEETING OF THE PCAT-VAWC & PCPC

 Joint Meeting of the Provincial Committee on Anti Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (PCAT-VAWC) and Provincial Committee for the Protection of Children (PCPC) was held on March 13, 2019 (1st Quarter, with participants from different offices of SPA Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Children, Family & GAD, PHO, PPDO, Provincial Prosecutor Albay, DepEd Albay, DILG Albay, APPO, Good Shepherd Home, SAC, President, Liga ng mga Barangay, BRTTH, ZMDH, JBDMDH, CSC, Provincial GAD Office, PTO, Budget Officer, Information Officer, PCEDO, DOLE Albay , EDUCO, Children International.

ALBAY CHILDREN’S ORGANIZATION (ACO) The Albay Children’s Organization was organized by the PSWDO in May 2019. It is a group of child representatives from the 16 LGUs of Albay. The President of the organization sits as member of the Provincial Council from the Protection of Children (PCPC). The group was able to convene in February 2020. However, the strict implementation of the community quarantine barred them from undertaking face-to-face meetings. As a way to promote communication despite the physical restrictions, a group chat was created which made them somehow connected and enabled them to access and take part in the virtual 2-day meeting on SAFE (Storytelling, Authoring, Filming and Editing) for Children Workshop (Capacitating Adolescents) sponsored by UNICEF and Red Ants Media, Inc. The group also managed to pool items and goods from personal resources and solicitations which they donated to the DSWD FO V for the benefit of pandemic-affected Albayanos. The child leaders also took the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge on the My Space, My Rights (Child’s Rights Summit), another web activity they participated in through the initiative of the UNICEF. Ever-hungry for knowledge, the webinar entitled “Kasali Ako! Strengthening Child Participation in the Philippines” led by the EDUCO did not pass unattended by the members of the organization.

PROVISION OF EYEGLASSES

The office actively participated in the Medical, Dental and Optical Missions of the Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) in the various municipalities in Albay.

During these community outreach activities, there were 1,000 school children provided with eye glasses.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Distribution of Wooden Tables and Chairs The PSWDO pursued implementation of the Early Childhood Care and Development Program through distribution of 140 wooden tables and 560 wooden chairs to the Child Development Centers of the 18 LGUs of Albay.

Provision of Rice Augmentation for The Supplemental Feeding Program

Pursuant to the Nutrition program for day care children of Albay, different child development centers received rice intended for the hot meals of the target beneficiaries.

Provision of School Bags With School Supplies

As part of the support to the series of Service Caravan being conducted by the Albay Provincial Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Team and Albay Provincial Task Force, the Provincial Government of Albay through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office distributed school bags with schools supplies to the pre-kinder 1 and pre-kinder 2 children of Maynonong, Tiwi, Albay.

Reproduction of Revised Children’s Code

Reproduced 50 copies of the Revised Comprehensive Code for the Welfare of Children in the Province of Albay and Strengthening Support Systems Thereof and for other Purposes and distributed to the different LGUs of Albay.

Provision of Children’s Books

In support to the promotion of education among young children, learning materials such as big books and workbooks were provided to different child development centers in Albay.

 Meetings of CDWs

To ensure the functionality and sustainability of different mechanisms tasked and mandated to implement program for children, the PSWDO assisted in the meetings of the Albay Child Development Workers Federation.

The regular meetings of CDWs are held to discuss updates and status report on the welfare of children in Albay, as well as review some laws that pertain to children and their rights. Arising issues and challenges that may be discussed are also dealt and given appropriate actions. The group held January and February meetings. The activity was subsequently cancelled upon implementation of the community quarantine in the province.

 CAPABILITY BUILDING

 OPERATION OF BAHAY PAG-ASA FOR GIRLS Supported the operation and management of the temporary shelter for children in conflict with the law.

 Capability Building of BPG Staff o Gender Sensitivity Training The staffs of the Bahay Pag-Asa for Girls undergone a Gender Sensitivity Training on March 12, 2020 at Bahay Pag-asa for Girls, Nasisi, Ligao City. This is to enlighten the staffs on the difference between sex and gender as well as understanding each one's roles and responsibilities. This will help each and everyone to strive, to gain or regain one's personal worth and pursue self-improvement, and be a model to other members of the team most especially to the residents.

Fire Prevention, Fighting and Safety Drill In coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the PSWDO conducted the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Safety Drill on January 30, 2020 at Bahay Pag-Asa for Girls, Nasisi, Ligao City. The training is an integral component to avoid accidents and ensure both residents and staff’s safety, as well as prevention of loss of lives and property. Staffs were provided with basic knowledge on fire safety and firefighting skills.

Bahay Pag-Asa for Girls Accreditation The Department of Social Welfare and Development Office bestowed the Certificate of Accreditation to Bahay Pag-Asa for Girls in Ligao City for having satisfactory complied with the First Level Standards in the implementation of Residential-Based Program and Services for Children in Conflict with the Law. The 1st in the Bicol Region, Bahay Pag-Asa for Girls is being managed by the PSWDO.

VI - FAMILY AND COMMUNITY WELFARE PROGRAM

 SOLO PARENTS WELFARE

The scheduled quarterly meeting of the group was cancelled in compliance with the IATF Guidelines on COVID-19 health protocols. A total of 1,000 solo parents received Noche Buena packs.

 MEETINGS OF LOCAL SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS

Conducted meetings with LSWDOs in May and July 2020 at the Albay Astrodome.

 ENHANCED COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL INTEGRATION PROGRAM (E-CLIP) The Albay Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) has conducted the Awarding of Livelihood Assistance Package to the Former Rebels of Albay at Albay Capitol Building. The beneficiaries received one (1) mega box with 5k worth of Sari-sari Store Kits from DTI and a maximum of twenty thousand (Php 20,000.00) check from DSWD. The said undertaking is part of the continuing efforts of the Provincial Government of Albay in reaching out the CPP-NPA-NDF including their immediate family members, and make them productive members of the society, as mandated by virtue of Administrative Order No 10 dated 03 April 2018 of the National Government. The awarding was facilitated by the Provincial E-CLIP Commiitte presided by Dr. Eva Grageda, head Secretariat, and Provincial E-CLIP Focal Person Ms. Michelle Lee, together with the Provincial Administrator, Engr. Vida Corazon Prollamente, representing the Governor, and Provincial Director of DILG, Mr. Arnel Madrideo. The PGA for its part provided seven (7) former rebels with livelihood assistance in the amount of ₱ 5,000 each.

VIII – DISASTER OPERATION

A. COVID-19 MANAGEMENT

In adherence to national and local declarations placing the entire Luzon under enhanced community quarantine and closure of borders of the Province of Albay due to the Pandemic COVID-19, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is in the forefront of ensuring public welfare by providing resource augmentation to local government units and barangays to address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable sectors of the Province of Albay in this time of health emergency.

 NFA RICE AUGMENTATION

The PSWDO spearheaded and managed the repacking of relief goods. There are number of laborers hired to do the handling and transporting of NFA rice to the PDRMMC Operation Center, where the rice are repacked and prepared for distribution to the different LGUs and other

sectors. The Philippine National Police sent personnel to voluntarily help in the repacking job. Other volunteer individuals and groups lent their time and effort to participate in this endeavor.

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 ASSORTED VEGETABLES The Provincial Government of Albay is cognizant that vegetables are staple in our daily meals, hence makes sure that these crops are part of the food ration to the affected population. The Provincial Government through the Albay Provincial Agriculture Office (APAO) and the PSWDO patronized fresh produce from our farmers. This initiative not only safeguards proper nutrition of the people despite health emergency but also to help and support local economy.

As immediate response to address basic need such as food of the people, the Provincial Government provided a total of 18,615 sacks of rice, tons of fresh assorted vegetables and thousands of eggs to the LGUs (18 cities and municipalities of Albay) and other Religious Institutions/Hospitals/Parishes.

The trucks of the Provincial Engineer’s Office which is a regular and active partner in this humanitarian action are mobilized so that the assistance is rendered and delivered to the intended beneficiaries promptly.

 ASSISTANCE TO DONORS AND WOULD-BE DONORS

The PSWDO is grateful for the generosity of individual donors who showed compassion to the Albayanos by sharing their blessings. Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. donated 50 sacks of NFA rice.

Also taking part in the bayanihan movement is a concerned citizen who only identified himself as Marcelo donated 50 sacks of commercial rice.

The Philippine Navy consulted the PSWDO as to the areas and needs that could possibly be served by the agency.

 ALBAY LIBRENG SAKAY PROGRAM

The Provincial Government of Albay implemented the Albay Libreng Sakay Program in response to the Balik Probinsya Program of the National Government. It seeks to assist Albayanos and other Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) in the National Capital Region and neighboring provinces due to travel restrictions imposed to prevent or minimize the spread of COVID-19 hence, the imposition of ECQ has stranded individuals unable to return home or to their work places during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

1ST BATCH 2ND BATCH 3RD BATCH TOTAL (June 4, 2020) (June 17, 2020) (July 8, 2020) OUTBOUND 458 596 475 1529

INBOUND 553 985 679 2217

TOTAL 1011 1581 1154 3746

The Provincial Government of Albay hired sweeper buses that transported LSI passengers. The buses were non-airconditioned and each bus manned by two (2) drivers.

 ASSISTANCE TO CLIENTS IN DISTRESS

I. Delivered food and non-food items to 112 Albayanos who came from different areas outside of Bicol Region and were stranded at Del Gallego, Camarines Sur for a 14 day quarantine prior to returning to respective destinations in Albay. During this period, the LGU of Del Gallego attended to the stranded Albayanos.

II. Part of the interventions to prevent the spread of the virus in Albay, the local authorities imposed a 14-day quarantine to Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs). The responsibility of providing for their daily meals is being assumed by the PSWDO, which took charge of the food preparation and delivery to this clientele group who are housed at the Albay Provincial Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Tula-Tula, Ligao City. The office was able to serve 10,110 PUMs, locally stranded individuals and returning overseas Filipino workers from March 21, 2020 to October 19, 2020.

III. Another group of Albayanos working in Manila were prevented to return home but found shelter at the Baclaran Parish. To alleviate the burden of the parish in sustaining their daily needs, the PSWDO sent through money transfer service cash aid amounting to Php 50,000.

IV. The community quarantine also barred 86 students from different colleges and universities in Legazpi City who were staying in boarding houses to be with their families were given 6 kilos of rice and assorted vegetables.

V. The restrictions imposed by the ECQ are not deterrent to serve clients in crisis with pressing needs.

A male client of Tabaco City who suffers from a serious spinal cord injury was visited by PSWDO social worker and personally handed the financial assistance for his medication. A person with disability of Camalig, Albay received a wheelchair and packs of foods and vegetables to ease mobility and support his sustenance. A female resident of Legazpi City afflicted with serious ailments was aided with medical assistance. Rice and vegetables were provided to a tricycle driver of Legazpi City who is unable to earn a living this time of crisis. His young child was also given boxes of powdered milk.

B. TYPHOON ROLLY DISASTER OPERATION On November 1, 2020, the Province of Albay was struck by one of the most powerful storm recorded worldwide in year 2020 which brought tremendous impact by being directly hit by its rage. A total of 107,448 families or 366,184 individuals were greatly affected by the typhoon and 13 casualties were reported.0 The Provincial Social Welfare and Department remained true to its mandate to provide basic social service. Relief augmentation was conducted as an effort of the Provincial Government in the rehabilitation of the province. Volunteers from different Provincial Government offices, LGUs, NGOs and other individuals came to help in the repacking of relief goods for the Albayanos.

In addition to the relief goods distributed to the 17 LGUs, 173 barangays in Albay were directly distributed with relief commodities.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office was also in-charge of coordinating to various donors and receiving all the donations from the different national government agencies, non-government organizations, and other individuals who are extending their help for the Albayanos.

 ALBAY FAMILY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

More than a month after the spearheading of the humanitarian actions to address the massive impacts of the consecutive storms particularly Typhoon Rolly in the province of Albay, stepped up its relief efforts through the Albay Family Christmas Bazaar which took off on December 10 & 11, 2020 at the Bicol University Tabaco Campus. The beneficiaries are as follows:

Tabaco City – 400 families Malinao – 300 families Malilipot – 300 families Tiwi – 300 families Same activity was held on December 26, 2020 for the 300 families of Bacacay, Albay. The Bazaar offered array of food and non-food items which were generated through the resources of the Provincial Government of Albay and several major sponsors from the private sector and the PNP Regional Office. The merchandise were availed of by the participants who used play money given by the PSWDO. The PSWDO which is in-charge of the donations and augmentation support receipts from national government agencies, non-government organization, other local government units, private individuals, national and local officials and other sectors, was able to receive and acknowledge donations and assistance from JCI, LIONS Club, PNP, APEC, BDO, Rotary Club, Bichara Corporation and other individuals & organizations.

Prepared by:

EVA A. GRAGEDA, RSW, Ph.D. OIC-PSWDO