Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday signed two administrative orders (AOs) providing benefits to public social workers.

Gatchalian signed guidelines on the grant of each Magna Carta benefit for public social workers (PSWs) and separate guidelines for the grant of hazard pay for public social welfare and development workers (PSWDs).

These, according to the DSWD, serve as supplement to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and DSWD Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2018 on the grant of compensation-related Magna Carta benefits to PSWs.

“Today is quite important. We are signing two administrative orders and the first of which is to, finally, give our public social workers the Magna Carta or the added social protection and benefits that they deserve,” Gatchalian said.

The benefits for PSWs include additional compensation for services rendered beyond the normal work hours and non-working days; hazard pay; subsistence allowance; transportation/travel expenses; longevity pay; free living quarters or quarters allowance; highest basic salary upon retirement; and clothing allowance.

Meanwhile, the AO for PSWDs provides internal guidelines for the granting of hazard pay.

Gatchalian also urged DSWD personnel to familiarize themselves with the guidelines once the signed copies are disseminated to ensure their proper implementation.

The DSWD will continue to develop policies and promote the welfare of PSWs and PSWDs that will, in turn, help improve the delivery of social services in the country.

In another news release on Monday, DSWD said it sent aid to families in Oriental Mindoro province affected by the oil spill caused by the Feb. 28 sinking of motor tanker (MT) Princess Empress in the waters of Naujan town.

The DSWD has so far extended a total of 11,109 family food packs (FFPs) worth PHP7.7 million.

Last Saturday, Gatchalian personally led the provision of relief items to the affected residents of Barangays Misong, Tagumpay and Zone 2 in Pola town, Oriental Mindoro.

The DSWD is also set to conduct a cash-for-work program for the residents who will help in the cleanup of oils that spilled in the waters of the province. (PNA)