The DSWD worker (standing) hugs the complainant (sitting) as they resolve their differences as the former visited the latter. Photo courtesy of DSWD-7

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 reports that it has resolved the incident that took place in the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) office in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on July 7, 2022, according to a press release sent to The Bohol Tribune.

On July 8, 2022, the complainant, who tagged the DSWD Region VII Facebook page in a viral post, had already deleted the post which drew flak online. The conplainant also posted a message indicating that things between her and the DSWD worker were already settled.

“Salamat DSWD Region VII ug maam nga nahusay ra ang tanan. Salamat sa pag anhi ug personal nga madungog ang imong side. Daghan kaayong salamat gaan na sa pamati,” posted the complainant on her Facebook account.

The DSWD Field Office immediately conducted an investigation into the incident that happened in the SWAD office in Tagbilaran City.

Furthermore, DSWD OIC-Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero reported that the regional office has finished its investigation and the matter is now resolved.

“We are happy that the complainant and the DSWD worker have met in the house of the complainant and now understand each other’s side,” Lucero said.

The DSWD worker’s immediate supervisor, together with the 4Ps City Link and the staff from the City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) of Tagbilaran City, assessed the family situation of the complainant.

As a result DSWD-7 provided family food packs to augment the family’s basic needs. The CSWDO also submitted a referral to the SWAD Bohol office for medical assistance since the complainant is observed to be experiencing postpartum syndrome.

“We will again remind all DSWD FO VII staff to properly deal with different clients whether inside the office or in the communities with utmost courtesy, respect and be devoted to our mandate in responding to their needs and concerns,” Lucero added.

Meanwhile, DSWD Sec. Erwin Tulfo  reportedly has relieved the DSWD employee in the agency’s office in Tagbilaran and another worker assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to several reports.

 Tulfo did not identify the workers who were relieved.  He clarified that the workers were not fired but only relieved from their posts.

Moreover, Tulfo said aside from being relieved from their duties, a warning, reprimand and re-training were meted out to the workers.