August 30, 2024  – 

In view of the passage of Republic Act (RA) No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) devolved basic social services- together with its direct service workers, assets and liabilities, and corresponding budget- to the Local Government Units (LGUs). Executive Order (EO) No. 503 s 1992 was then issued to set the implementing rules and regulations to ensure efficient turnover of devolved programs and services to LGUs.

Along the lines of the devolution under RA No. 7160, resulting in a paradigm shift, the DSWD assumed a steering role on policy formulation, standard setting, monitoring, and technical assistance relevant to social welfare and development (SWD). It also acted as enabler and partner of LGUs. In 1997, the Department Order No. 20 was issued to enhance the role of the DSWD in steering the SWD sector through the establishment of organizational structures and processes leading to the efficient utilization of resources and the effective delivery or programs and services.

Consequently, it follows that the DSWD assists Local Government Units/Local Social Welfare and Development Offices by: providing direction for the SWD sector through pertinent policies and plans; enriching SWD programs and services for individuals, families, and communities at risk or in need; and affording social protection for the poor, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities; and implement statutory/specialized programs which are directly lodged with the DSWD and/or not yet devolved to LGUs. 

The guidelines contained herein are thereby issued to implement the DSWD Technical Assistance and Resource Augmentation Program for LGUs through LSWDOs; that is, in support of the functionality of LSWDOs as frontline service providers of SWD programs and services. By this, the DSWD envisions that partially functional LSWDOs attain functional status while functional LSWDOs advance to fully functional status as supported by the following specific laws.

As part of the institutional arrangement with other FO ODSUs, the Technical/Advisory Assistance and Other Related Support Services was institutionalized to create responsive capability-building programs and technical assistance for internal staff and intermediaries. It is deemed necessary to convene the TAAORSS Focal Persons per semester to provide a venue for updates on matters concerning TAAORSS implementation, to gather ideas from among the designated Focal Persons on how to improve service delivery to the learners, and to address issues/concerns collaboratively.