The Congress is studying the salary increase for social workers in the country. In a hearing within the DSWD, bills amending the Magna Carta for Public Social Workers were discussed.
According to the proposals, the entry-level salary of social workers will be increased from Salary Grade 13 to Salary Grade 15. It also states that every municipal social welfare position must be headed by a licensed social worker and must be a plantilla position.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said, “This is an important step to encourage youth to enter the field of social work. We encourage the committee to support social workers through appropriate legislation.”
At the same time, DSWD is pushing for the institutionalization of its ‘Walang Gutom’ program. It provides P3000 food credits to low-income families to purchase nutritious food.
According to Gatchalian, “Although there is an EO supporting the program, it would be stronger if it had a law like 4Ps, so that the funds are continuous and protected until 2028.”
