Page 36 - 2017 KA'AKBAY January-June

36 January to June
2017
Philippine Consulate Holds Discussion Forum with DSWD
Undersecretary Malou Turalde-Jarabe
Forum participants listen to the presentation by Usec. Turalde-Jarabe conveyed their expression of
The Philippine Consulate General in New York,
hosted a discussion forum with Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Maria
Lourdes Turalde-Jarabe at the Philippine Center on 14
June 2017.
Usec. Turalde-Jarabe delivered a presentation on
the thrusts and programs of the DSWD in the Philippines
under the overarching theme of “DSWD May
Malasakit” (DSWD Cares).
She highlighted DSWD’s various programs,
namely: the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
popularly known as the 4Ps, KALAHI-CIDSS, Sustainable
Livelihood Program (SLP), tulong-pampaaral (education
assistance), tulong-medikal (medical assistance), tulong
pamasahe (transportation assistance), tulong-pampalibing
(funeral assistance), pagbibigay ng tulong para sa mga
nangangailangan indibidwal o pamilya o mga komunidad
na naapektuhan ng kalamidad (assistance for individuals,
families and communities affected by calamities), tulong sa
mga solo-parents (assistance for solo parents), tulong sa
mga PWDs (assistance for persons with disabilities) as well
as other programs.
The presentation included DSWD’s conduct of
humanitarian and relief efforts in the Philippines as well as
a discussion on the government efforts in managing the
humanitarian needs in Marawi City.
For her part, Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-
de Vega explained the role of the Department of Foreign
Affairs in general, and the Philippine Consulate General in
New York, in particular, vis-à-vis the DSWD’s thrust in
providing development and welfare assistance to overseas
Filipinos and their families in the Philippines. The Consul
General expressed the government’s readiness in
extending appropriate assistance to distressed Filipinos,
specifically those in the US Northeast.
During the open forum, a discussion arose on the
on-going situation in Marawi City, with participants
expressing concern over the loss of lives and destruction of
properties in conflict Areas.
Ms. Potri Ranka Manis, a Filipino Community leader
who herself is from Marawi City, appealed for greater
understanding and awareness of the conditions in Marawi.
The participants, mostly from various advocacy and
progressive groups such as
MIGRANTE-NY, ANAKBAYAN
-NY, Pag-Asa SFI, NAFCON, I
Am Pinoy, Proud Ako, and
media practitioners likewise
support for the confirmation
and initiatives of DSWD Congen Theresa Dizon-De Vega wel-
Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo. comes Usec. Turalde Jarabe
(continued from page 35..PH Judicial & Bar Council meets)
The JBC members held meetings with Presiding Justice
Karen Peters of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division-
Third Judicial Department, Associate Justice Michael C. Lynch
and Deputy Clerk of Court Sean Morton of the Appellate Division.
The Appellate Division Justices explained the screening
and selection process citing differences between the New York
system and the Philippines as well as with other States in the US.
The discussions also covered court management systems. The
JBC also met with the legal interns from different countries and
US States currently undergoing training at the New York
Appellate Division.
The delegation also met with Justice Leslie Stein of the
New York Court of Appeals, the highest court in the New York
Judiciary and Chief Clerk and Legal Counsel to the Court of
Appeals John Asiello. The court officials provided inputs on the
court system at the Court of Appeals level as well as
requirements in the selection process.
The JBC Delegation also shared the current procedure
on judicial screening, nomination and appointment in the
Philippines with their counterparts in New York.
Court of Appeals Justice Leslie Stein and Chief Counsel and Clerk of Court John Asiel-
lo of the NY Court of Appeals brief the JBC Delegation on the court structure, case
management, and nomination-selection process