Follow us for updates
© 2022 reportr.world
Read the Story →

What to Expect From Erwin Tulfo as DSWD Secretary

At the forefront of social services for the poor.
by Erwin Colcol
May 31, 2022
Photo/s: Erwin Tulfo/Facebook
Shares

Social welfare secretary-designate Erwin Tulfo said Tuesday he would be an "on the ground" kind of cabinet member who will ensure the quick distribution of aid from the government.

The 57-year-old journalist, who combines journalism with public service, is one of the latest additions to the Cabinet being formed by president-elect Bongbong Marcos ahead of his assumption into office at noon on June 30.

READ: Erwin Tulfo to Head DSWD, Sara Duterte Spokeswoman is Tourism Chief

"It will be a secretary on the ground. It will be a secretary people can touch, people can talk to. It will be a secretary that they can hug," Tulfo said when asked in an ANC interview what kind of DSWD secretary he will be.

"I think I have to be on the ground just to assure them that I am here, the government is here, the government is watching, the government is helping, and we are here and all the help is here," he added.

Continue reading below ↓

According to Tulfo, a quick reaction team will be helpful especially during fire situations, flooding, and other calamities to ensure that relief goods and other assistance are available as soon as disaster strikes.

"We will create a quick reaction team during fires, during floods. The help will be there and ang target namin, it should be there before the 24th hour, or before one day," he said.

"Kunwari may sunog kaninang 5 a.m., dapat nagse-serve na ng breakfast, nandun na ang DSWD nagse-serve, kung ano ang pangangailangan ng mga tao around three hours or two hours later.... It has to be quick," he added.

Tulfo helped Marcos during his campaign for president as a media consultant.

While he has been hosting public service programs for the longest time, Tulfo admitted that he was not expecting to helm the social welfare department, nor be offered a Cabinet position under the incoming administration.

Continue reading below ↓
Recommended Videos

"I first learned that I was one of the choices of becoming press secretary or PCOO, but then again siyempre may mga nominees yan. I was one of them, and then I also heard Sec. Trixie [Cruz-Angeles] was one of those. So nung hindi ako mapili, it was okay for me," he said.

"Bumitaw ako sa program ko because I was helping them as a media consultant. But then again no, I wasn't asking for anything," he added.

For now, Tulfo said he wants to be surrounded by social workers from the DSWD as well as lawyers to advise him on how to speed up the distribution of relief without violating bureaucratic protocols.

"Marami nang nagawa this administration. Dadagdagan lang natin and make it faster yung delivery of goods and services and make sure na walang nasasayang na relief goods," he added.

ALSO READ:

Who are Bongbong Marcos' Cabinet Secretaries?

Continue reading below ↓

Who is Arsenio Balisacan, Marcos' Socioeconomic Planning Secretary

How Susan Ople Plans to Lead Newly-Created OFW Department

Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.

Latest Headlines
Read Next
Recent News
The news. So what? Subscribe to the newsletter that explains what the news means for you.
The email address you entered is invalid.
Thank you for signing up to On Three, reportr's weekly newsletter delivered to your mailbox three times a week. Only the latest, most useful and most insightful reads.
By signing up to reportr.world newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.