TWO employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were relieved from their posts while five “hotline” operators have been reprimanded for rendering poor service to the public, Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo said yesterday.
Tulfo, during the flag-raising ceremony at the DSWD, reminded the agency’s rank and file employees anew that he would not hesitate to fire or remove anyone from the department if it is proven true that they are being disrespectful or not doing their job.
He did not name the “two relieved staff” but said one was assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the other at the agency’s satellite office in Tagbilaran, Bohol.
He said a mother and child who just arrived in the country were seeking assistance to ensure compliance with the Inter-Agency Task Force travel guidelines for minors while a mother was inquiring about the requirements for inclusion to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program when they were treated rudely and disrespected by the involved employees.
Tulfo said aside from being relieved from their posts, a warning, reprimand and re-training were meted out on the disrespectful employees.
“Let’s end the ill treatment of those who ask us for help. Let’s stop,” he said.
The DSWD clarified the two were only relieved from their posts and not fired from the department.
Tulfo said he also reprimanded and warned five hotline operators who were caught not doing their job. He did not name them.
Tulfo said the doors of DSWD are wide open in case some employees no longer wish to continue their job of providing service to the public, assisting those in need like the poor, those who are affected by calamities, as well as abandoned and street children.
Tulfo has been going around DSWD offices to see the conditions on the ground and determine improvements the department need to ensure better, efficient and effective public service.
