DSWD-CAR promises safety of dwellers at Residential Care Facilities against Omicron variant

Baguio City, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development- Cordillera said they continue to implement stringent health protocols in its residential care facilities to protect dwellers from the dreaded Omicron variant.

DSWD-CAR is currently maintaining three residential care facilities, including the Regional Haven for Women and Girls (Regional Haven), Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) and the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC). Said facilities are home to at least 52 residents.

DSWD FO CAR Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia, CESO II, in a press release, said they were able to implement strict guidelines that allow them to efficiently and effectively provide services to their residents amid the pandemic.

“With our center heads, we are able to follow a set of guidelines that helped us to continue our programs and services to our residents, even with the threat of COVID-19. We will push through with this practice as we see that it’s effective,” Garcia said.

The guidelines stated that ‘the facilities are only allowed to receive clients that have been referred by the local social welfare and development units. In case of walk-in clients, the individual or the referring office should be able to present a valid health certificate. Admitted residents will be required to observe health protocols such as wearing of face mask and isolation for 14 days.’

“Our centers only accept 50% of their capacity to ensure that there will be no overcrowding in our facilities,” Garcia said.

Garcia also said they temporarily suspended accepting any visitors inside the facilities for the safety of its dwellers.

He said they have explored some alternative ways in doing their activities like letting their residents meet their families via video teleconferencing instead of face-to-face, and even their studies are done through online or module.

Meanwhile, Centers and Institutions Coordinator Edna Benitez reminded the public that they cannot accommodate visitors to ensure safety of residents. She said donations can be dropped in DSWD centers and will be received by the personnel of said facilities.

OTHER NEWS

P8.5M worth of various projects granted to Kalinga

Follow Guru Press Cordillera on Facebook for more News and Information