DSWD vows to revalidate LGU damage assessments for typhoon-hit communities

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao assured the public that assessment lists from local government units (LGUs) for communities affected by typhoons will be reevaluated by the department.

During a forum, Dumlao, who serves as both spokesperson and Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) assistant secretary, emphasized that the final assessment does not rest solely with the LGU.

"It is the local government unit (LGU) that assesses the disaster-affected populations. They are the ones who can see if the homes of those affected are totally or partially damaged. They are also the ones who determine if their constituents are severely or slightly affected,” Dumlao explained in Filipino.

“Those classifications are submitted to the DSWD and then we validate them,” she added.

This comes after a resident from Isla Verde in Talisay, Cebu City, affected by Typhoon Tino, raised concerns through a television report, claiming that a barangay official mislabeled his home as “partially damaged” despite it being fully destroyed.

Dumlao said the department is working closely with LGUs to ensure proper aid delivery and urged individuals with concerns to file them through the DSWD’s grievance mechanisms.

“If there are households that have concerns or complaints regarding the released data or lists, the DSWD has a Grievance Redress Mechanism. For the program, such as the Emergency Cash Transfer, there is also a grievance mechanism,” she said.

The spokesperson assured that all submitted data will undergo verification.

“We understand that our affected households have worries and concerns. We would like to assure them that the DSWD will validate whatever data or list is submitted. Our goal is that appropriate assistance will be provided," Dumlao said.