The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development instructed the DSWD staff to approach the clients with respect.

The current administration’s six-year term in office began on June 30 of last year. As the 17th president of the Philippines, President Bongbong Marcos took the oath of office. The Philippine National Museum conducted his inauguration ceremony.

The Marcos Jr. camp verified some of the people he named for specific government jobs before his inauguration. There are still several departments without a chief at the moment.

In the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), one of the biggest government agencies in the country. Marcos Jr. appointed veteran broadcaster Erwin Tulfo as the social welfare secretary.

The President’s offer was accepted by Tulfo. He stated his willingness to work for a rise in the monthly pension for elderly people in need before taking the position formally. The current pension amount is P500.00 per month. He desires an increase to P1,500.00.

Tulfo asserts that the existing monthly pension payments made to elderly people who need it may not be sufficient to cover all of their expenses, especially their need for maintenance medications. He also wants to speed up the department’s issuance of financial aid.

Recently, social welfare Sec. Erwin Tulfo went to his first flag ceremony. He advised the DSWD personnel to treat the people with respect and kindness throughout his remarks.

According to an ABS-CBN News report, he stated, “Ayoko na pong makarinig na may tinarayan, sinigawan… ng empleyado natin ang lumalapit sa ating ahensya para po humingi ng tulong. Tratuhin po natin ng maayos at alagaan ang mga kliyente o kustomer natin na mga ito.”

Tulfo emphasized to the DSWD staff that if clients go to other agencies, they would not only be held responsible for it but also lose their employment.