TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) doubled down in keeping government-funded social protection programs free from political interference ensuring that assistance reaches intended beneficiaries transparently and without credit-grabbing.
The agency is drafting and finalizing specific “anti-epal” guidelines that align with legal mandates to ensure that aid is delivered professionally and transparently by DSWD social workers or accredited partners. “Epal” is a practice commonly associated with self-promotion.
According to DSWD Assistant Secretary for Promotive Programs under Operations Group Edmon Monteverde, the regional offices implementing the various programs are under strict orders to prohibit politicians and public officials from personally distributing or appearing during cash aid and program payouts.
“Beneficiaries of programs and social welfare services are to receive aid strictly through professional DSWD staff or accredited partners,” Monteverde said.
The guideline being drafted by DSWD is in line with the ‘anti-epal’ provision of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and supports the memorandum circular released by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which operationalizes the anti-political branding rules across all social protection initiatives.
Section 19 in the GAA prohibits political involvement in the distribution of cash and other forms of financial assistance. Under this provision, all cash assistance and other forms of financial aid distribution shall be carried out exclusively by authorized government officers and personnel or accredited partners.
The “anti-epal’ move also follows the increase of the DSWD’s 2026 budget, which underscores expanded coverage for key safety nets like 4Ps (conditional cash transfer program), senior citizen pensions, and disaster response assistance.
In Eastern Visayas, DSWD-8 Regional Director Grace Subong says they are aligning with national directives that prohibit politicians and local leaders from appearing at or taking credit during the distribution of government assistance under programs.
“We coordinate with LGUs on the ground but during pay-out programs or activities where there is aid distribution, we strictly observe regulations that prevent the program’s politicization,” Subong said.
By strengthening these safeguards, the DSWD aims to promote transparency, bolster public trust, and ensure that its social protection programs, designed to uplift vulnerable families and individuals, remain solely focused on serving those in need, not on political visibility.
(AHLETTE C. REYES, PIA-LEYTE)
