DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur (DSWD XI) – Former Davao Del Sur Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Esterlita B. Hermosisima and Davao Del Sur OIC-PSWDO Geraldine Lano have confirmed on Friday (September 23) that it was the provincial government of Davao del Sur through the PSWDO that distributed rice and canned goods amounting to Php40 million last May 6.

It was not the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as earlier reported. This according to a clarificatory statement from DSWD.

Regional Director of DSWD-XI Mercedita P. Jabagat and DSWD Protective Services Head Raquel E. Nuňez met up with Hermosisima, now PSWDO of Davao Occidental, and Lano on Friday to clarify the allegations that DSWD conducted the distribution at the Davao del Sur Coliseum and Sports Complex four days before the national elections.

“Once and for all, we assert that DSWD was never involved in the procurement, purchase and distribution of rice and canned goods in Davao Del Sur on May 6, 2016. We are issuing this statement for the public to know the truth. The purchase and distribution were made by the Province of Davao Del Sur and not by DSWD,” Director Jabagat emphasized. (DSWD)