Section 37Sec./Art. 37

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer.

A. No person shall be appointed social welfare and development officer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the Province, of good moral character, a duly licensed social worker and a holder of college degree preferably in sociology or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in the practice of social work for at least five (5) years.

The appointment of a provincial social welfare and development officer shall be mandatory.

B. The social welfare and development officer shall take charge of the office on social welfare and development services, and shall:

1. Formulate measures for the approval of the sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the governor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to social welfare and development services as provided under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991;

2. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the governor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with social welfare programs and projects which the governor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code of 1991;

3. In addition to the foregoing duties, the social welfare and development officer shall:

a. Identify the basic needs of the needy, the disadvantaged and the impoverished and develop and implement appropriate measures to alleviate their problems and improve their living conditions;

b. Provide relief and appropriate crisis intervention for victims of abuse and exploitation and recommend appropriate measures to deter further abuse and exploitation;

c. Assist the governor in implementing the barangay level program for the total development and protection of children up to six (6) years of age;

d. Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs for the disabled, elderly, and victims of drug addiction, the rehabilitation of prisoners and parolees, the prevention of juvenile delinquency and such other activities which would eliminate or minimize the ill-effects of poverty;

e. Initiate and support welfare programs that will enhance the role of the youth in nation-building; and

f. Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations which have for their purpose the promotion and the protection of all needy, disadvantaged, under privileged or impoverished groups or individuals, particularly those identified to be vulnerable and high-risk to exploitation, abuse and neglect.

4. Be in the frontline of service delivery, particularly those which have to do with immediate relief during and assistance in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; and

5. Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor on all other matters related to social welfare and development service which will improve the livelihood and living conditions of the inhabitants.

C. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.