SP backs MOU with DSWD

IN its regular session Monday, presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, the 20th City Council enacted an ordinance authorizing City Mayor Rolando A. Uy to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Regional Field Office X, covering the implementation of its 14th Cycle Supplementary Feeding Program in Early Childhood Care and Development (14th Cycle SFP-ECCD).

The Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) is the provision of food, in addition to the regular meals, to children aged 2-4 years old enrolled in the Child Development Center (CDCs) and Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNPs) as part of the DSWD’s contribution to the Early Childhood Care and Development program of the government. The local government units, as part of the DSWD in delivering programs and projects, are mandated to assist in the implementation of the SFP.

Under the MOU, DSWD shall manage, coordinate and supervise the regional implementation of the SFP and designate a focal person who will provide guidance and technical assistance to the Social Welfare and Development officers, CDC/SNP workers, Day Care Workers Federation (DCWF), and Day Care Service Parent Group (DCSPG) in the implementation of the program.

It shall also coordinate and inform the city to conduct 120 feeding days with a twice-a-day feeding implementation, if necessary, composed of hot meals in combination with dry rations to boost the nutritional concerns of the children, among others.

For its part, the city shall submit a project proposal and master list of beneficiaries as the basis for funding allocation and the conduct of twice-a-day feeding provision, if necessary, for the beneficiaries. The city shall include in the project proposal the mode of implementation they will use based on the SFP implementing guidelines.

It shall also designate the City Social Welfare Development Officer as focal person for the feeding, with the task of providing guidance, technical assistance, and support to the DCWF/DCSPG in coordination with the City Nutrition Action Officer.

The legislation was sponsored by the City Council Committees on Social Services and on Laws and Rules, chaired by Councilors Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba and Edgar S. Cabanlas, respectively.