The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced plans to strengthen its multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) within residential care facilities nationwide. The initiative aims to provide holistic and enhanced services to individuals under the care of these institutions, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
In a statement, the DSWD highlighted the importance of the multidisciplinary approach in delivering comprehensive care. MDTs, which typically comprise social workers, psychologists, medical personnel, and other specialists, work collaboratively to address the varied needs of residents.
The DSWD plans to roll out capacity-building activities and training programs for these teams to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement evidence-based practices. These initiatives will focus on enhancing case management, psychosocial interventions, health care, and reintegration programs.
According to Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the training aims to ensure that care facilities meet international standards for social protection. “By capacitating our multidisciplinary teams, we are making a concrete investment in the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” Gatchalian said.
The move comes in response to longstanding challenges faced by residential care facilities in the Philippines, including resource constraints, staff shortages, and the growing complexity of residents’ needs. Strengthening MDTs is seen as a critical step in addressing these gaps and ensuring that care facilities remain responsive and effective.
The DSWD also seeks to improve data management and monitoring systems in care facilities. Enhanced documentation and reporting will enable more targeted interventions and ensure that progress is tracked effectively.
MDTs play a crucial role in residential care facilities by addressing the diverse and intersecting needs of residents. For example, social workers provide case management and advocacy, while psychologists offer mental health support. Medical personnel ensure the physical health and well-being of residents, and educators or trainers assist in developing life skills and vocational competencies.
This multidisciplinary approach is particularly vital in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, such as children in conflict with the law, abandoned elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities. By working collaboratively, MDTs can create individualized care plans that promote recovery, empowerment, and reintegration into society.
The DSWD’s initiative aligns with the Philippine government’s broader goals of improving social welfare services and addressing poverty and inequality. The enhanced MDT program is expected to complement existing social protection programs, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens.
Additionally, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The DSWD emphasized that the success of the program relies on collaboration with local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international development partners. The department is also exploring partnerships with academic institutions and professional organizations to provide specialized training and technical support for MDTs.
The capacity-building program for MDTs is expected to begin in early 2025, with the DSWD conducting a nationwide assessment to identify priority facilities and training needs. As the initiative gains momentum, the department aims to set a new benchmark for care services in the Philippines.