DSWD beneficiaries told: ‘Comply with vaccine program’

LEGAZPI CITY ---The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here urges its program beneficiaries, to comply with the government’s on-going vaccination program against measles. DSWD Bicol regional director Arnel Garcia, in an interview on Wednesday said the call to the beneficiaries came after the Department of Health (DOH) has sought the assistance of DSWD for its disease prevention campaign.

“Because of the increasing number of measles cases here, we need to help each other in order to reduce the cases”, he said.

Garcia added that DSWD is committed to help in the campaign by enjoining all Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) parent-beneficiaries to ensure that their children are vaccinated.

“The Department will also intensify discussions on the importance of vaccination during the conduct of family development sessions (FDS) with the parent-beneficiaries.” Garcia added.

FDS is a compulsory psycho-social and education intervention activity for 4Ps beneficiaries to improve their parenting capabilities and to encourage them to become more active members of the society.

The DSWD-Program Management Bureau (PMB) will also guide the daycare workers in encouraging children enrolled in daycare centers and their family members to receive vaccination from health centers.

All DSWD-Field Offices will also actively participate in activities that will be initiated by the DOH and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) in preventing further spread of measles in Bicol.