The decision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Standards Bureau to suspend the operation of an unlicensed shelter in San Pedro, Laguna was aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of its residents and uphold the regulatory standards for social welfare institutions.
In a Facebook post on Friday (January 30), Secretary Gatchalian acknowledged the altruistic intentions of individuals and groups who are helping people in need, particularly those living on the streets, but he stressed that compassion must go hand in hand with compliance to established standards.
“Napakaraming mga mamamayan ang nagnanais tumulong sa kanilang mga kapwa at magtayo ng iba’t ibang mga pasilidad para makatulong sa mga kapwa nating nangangailangan o sa ibang pagkakataon sa mga kapwa nating nakatira sa lansangan. Pero ang isang good deed ay hindi pwedeng yun lang ang basehan. Kung gusto nating tumulong, dapat idaan din natin sa tamang proseso,” Secretary Gatchalian said in his FB post.
The DSWD chief was referring to the shelter owned and managed by content creator Benjie Perillo, popularly known as “Bench TV,” which has been operating without a valid license prompting the Department’s Standards Bureau (SB) to move for its temporary closure pending its registration and application for license.
Secretary Gatchalian said that while the shelter’s good intentions were not being questioned, the lack of a license to operate posed serious risks and necessitated immediate action from the DSWD’s SB.
“Hindi natin kinukwestyon ang kanyang magandang intensyon at layunin, pero nagkataon na yung kanyang shelter, walang lisensya o license to operate. At delikado po yan, kasi kung may mangyari dun sa shelter na yun, kami naman sa DSWD ang mananagot, dahil obligasyon at trabaho ng DSWD to regulate ang ating mga tinatawag na social welfare and development agencies o yung kanila mga shelter,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.
Secretary Gatchalian said the DSWD enforces minimum standards to ensure that services provided by shelters are humane, safe, and appropriate for clients.
“Mayroon po kasi tayong mga basic standards at alituntunin na hinahanap sa mga shelter para masigurado na makatao at tama ang serbisyo na ibinibigay nito mga shelter na ito,” Secretary Gatchalian stressed.
The DSWD chief assured the public that the Department is extending assistance to help Bench TV comply with the regulatory requirements and secure the necessary licenses to legally operate the shelter.
“Huwag kayong mag-alala. Sabi namin sa mga tao, sa mga kawani at good doers ng Bench TV, tutulungan sila ng DSWD na makakuha ng mga lisensya at ma-meet ang mga minimum standards,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Addressing concerns over the rescued residents of the shelter, Secretary Gatchalian said the individuals have already been transferred to government-owned care facilities where they are being properly assisted.
“Nilipat natin sila sa mga government-owned na mga care facilities. Maayos ang mga care facilities natin. Doon muna natin sila pansamantalang patutuluyin habang tinutulungan natin si Bench TV na makakuha ng tama at angkop na lisensya para sa kanyang shelter,” Secretary Gatchalian noted.
On Thursday (January 29), the DSWD’s Standards Bureau personnel led by Director Megan Therese Manahan, in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of San Pedro, Laguna and DSWD Field Office’s (FO) 4A – CALABARZON, conducted a rescue operation in Barangay Landayan in San Pedro, Laguna following an initial investigation.
Of the 12 individuals who were staying at the shelter, six, including two minors, were successfully transferred to the custody of the DSWD for appropriate intervention and placement, while the remaining six will be under close monitoring of the LGU for immediate reintegration with their respective families.
The DSWD reiterated that its actions are guided by its mandate to regulate social welfare institutions and protect vulnerable sectors, while continuing to work with civil society groups, LGUs, and private individuals who wish to provide assistance—ensuring that all efforts comply with the law and uphold the best interests of its target beneficiaries. (CC)
