QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 15)
EO No. 15 cites: (1) Section 20, Chapter 7, Title I, Book III of Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987) empowering the President to exercise vested powers; and (2) Sections 78 and 80 of RA 8522 (1998 GAA General Provisions) authorizing organizational changes and directing departments to scale down, phase out, or abolish non-essential activities.
EO No. 15 states that DSWD was transformed from a direct service deliverer to a technical assistance provider due to the devolution of basic services to LGUs.
EO No. 15 mandates DSWD to provide assistance to LGUs, NGOs, other NGAs, people’s organizations (POs), and other members of civil society to effectively implement social welfare and development programs that alleviate poverty, empower disadvantaged individuals/families/communities, and improve quality of life.
Examples: (a) Lead line agency and authority in formulating national social welfare and development policies, plans, programs, and statistics—especially family development and poverty groups; (b) Monitor and evaluator of implementation of policies/plans/programs on family welfare and poverty alleviation—within the social welfare and development sector; (c) Enabler of LGUs, NGOs, other NGAs, POs, and civil society through technical assistance; (d) Advocate for social welfare and development concerns affecting disadvantaged groups.
EO No. 15 authorizes DSWD to deputize law enforcement agencies in implementing laws, rules, and regulations for the protection of the rights of exploited, abused, and disadvantaged persons.
EO No. 15 provides that DSWD shall set standards, accredit institutions/organizations/persons engaged in social welfare activities, provide consultative services, and monitor their performance (public and private).
EO No. 15 states that DSWD may exercise technical supervision over social workers in other government settings or agencies such as courts, hospitals, schools, and housing projects.
EO No. 15 requires DSWD to prepare an RSP as the basis for intended changes in functions and operations, to achieve efficiency and effectiveness.
The RSP must include: (a) the specific shift in policy directions, functions, programs, and strategies; (b) the structural/organizational shift by organizational unit and relationships; (c) the staffing shift itemizing existing filled and unfilled positions; and (d) the resource allocation shift showing effects on budgetary allocation and possible savings.
The RSP must be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for approval before the DSWD Secretary effects the shifts. After approval, the DSWD Secretary implements it and is authorized to determine social laboratories/learning centers and other facilities necessary to carry out the mandate.
EO No. 15 provides that redeployment of officials and personnel based on the approved RSP shall not result in diminution in rank and compensation, and must take into account all pertinent Civil Service laws and rules.
EO No. 15 states that implementation funding shall come from funds available in DSWD, but the total requirements for the revised staffing pattern shall not exceed available funds for Personnel Services.
EO No. 15 authorizes the DSWD Secretary to determine the social laboratories/learning centers and other social welfare and development facilities necessary for carrying out the Department’s mandate and roles, strictly following principles of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
EO No. 15 states it shall take effect immediately. Practically, DSWD could begin necessary preparatory steps for the RSP right away, subject to the plan’s DBM approval before effecting shifts.
EO No. 15 aligns with devolution by shifting DSWD away from direct service delivery and toward policy/regulatory functions, monitoring and evaluation, technical assistance/enabling partners, and support through standards, accreditation, training standards, and augmentation funding/resources to partners.
EO No. 15 assigns DSWD to monitor and evaluate the implementation of policies, plans, and programs on family welfare and development and poverty alleviation efforts in the social welfare and development sector.