DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that the administration is committed to helping the Filipino people, with a strong focus on education and further economic development.

Gatchalian stated that providing various forms of assistance to needy Filipinos is part of the government’s mandate.

“Lagi sinasabi ng Pangulo, panandalian o temporary lang na lunas ang social welfare. Ang anti-poverty programs katulad ng libreng edukasyon, paglago ng ekonomiya para magkaroon ng trabaho ang mga tao, ‘yan ang bagay na long-term in nature para maahon natin sila sa kahirapan,” Gatchalian explained.

The secretary underscored that it’s part of the state’s responsibility to assist the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.

“People who can’t protect themselves, that’s the government’s job,” Gatchalian said.

“Kailangan masusing pinagdaraanan kung pasok ba to sa criteria ng social welfare … ‘yan ‘yung mga pangmatagalang programa para maahon natin sila sa kahirapan, para hindi na nila kakailanganin na lumapit ulit para sa social welfare,” he added.