In continuation of the efforts to provide benefits to public social workers (PSWs) and public social welfare and development workers (PSWDWs), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian signed two administrative orders (AO) for the grant of benefits as supplement to the DBM-DSWD Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2018 on the grant of compensation-related Magna Carta benefits to PSWs today, March 6, 2023.
The first is the Administrative Order on the Guidelines in Providing Specific Criteria and Administrative Procedures on the Grant of Each Magna Carta Benefit to Public Social Workers (PSWs). It prescribes internal criteria and parameters for the provision of the following benefits to PSWs: 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, upon recommendation by the technical working group (TWG) created under DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 05, Series of 2022 or Guidelines in Determining When a Government Personnel may be Considered as Public Social Worker.
Meanwhile, the AO on the Guidelines in Providing Specific Criteria and Administrative Procedures on the Grant of Hazard Pay for Public Social Welfare and Development Workers (PSWDs) provides internal guidelines for the provision of hazard pay to PSWDs in the Department.
During the ceremonial signing, Secretary Gatchalian expressed his support for the implementation of the AOs.
“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,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Secretary 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.
