The development of policies to promote the rights and welfare of the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors is a primary function of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (EO No. 15, series of 1989). It emphasizes the role of the DSWD as the lead public sector agency in the development of SWD policies and mandates the formulation and advocacy of a just and responsive social welfare and development (SWD) legislative agenda polices and plans, as well as ensuring their effective implementation.

With the emerging SWD policy concerns especially in the implementation of the Department and Field Office programs, an in-depth and extensive analysis and formulation of evidence-based social protection policies is needed to look into the risks, effectiveness of the programs and formulate appropriate responses and strategies towards the enhancement of policies, thus, the programs. DSWD Administrative Order No. 13, series of 2015 or the DSWD Policy Development Framework, rationalize and provide a clear guideline on the process and strategies of developing policy issuances in both the OBSUs and FOs. It institutionalizes the conduct of policy analysis in the development of DSWD policy issuances and provides standard definition or description of the different policy documents and policy activities conducted in the development of policy issuances.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development as the lead in social protection is mandated to monitor and evaluate the implementation of SWD policies, plans and programs and poverty alleviation efforts in the social welfare development sector (EO.15, S.1998). The Department’s policy-related initiatives are anchored on its vision as stated under AO No. 2 s. 2017 and expected to take the lead in the formulation, implementation and coordination of social welfare and development policies and programs for and with the poor and the vulnerable sectors. 

1. 2nd Semester SWD Assessment Report FY 2021 

1. Guide in the Preparation of Manual of Operation