Residents of the Island Garden City of Samal will soon have vital social welfare services right at their doorstep, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming trips to Davao City. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Davao Region is setting up a satellite office of its Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) directly on the island.
Official Announcement and Local Partnership
The plan was formally announced by DSWD-Davao Region Protective Services Division Chief Gemma D. Dela Cruz during a courtesy visit to Samal Mayor Lemuel “Toto” T. Reyes on January 8, 2026. The local government's Samal Island Information office confirmed the development in a social media post on January 12, highlighting the office's goal of ensuring faster and more accessible service delivery for Samaleños.
The new satellite office will have a dedicated social worker assigned to assist residents directly. This move is specifically designed to improve support for vulnerable and marginalized sectors within the community by bringing government programs closer to the people.
Services Coming to the Community
Currently, many island residents must travel to the DSWD regional office on Ramon Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City. The new CIU office aims to bridge this gap. Key services that will now be available locally include:
- The Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program: This provides crucial financial aid to families and individuals affected by disasters like floods, especially after the initial wave of relief assistance has been distributed.
- Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS): This program offers financial help and other forms of support to people facing emergencies such as medical crises, bereavement, or other difficult situations.
- Psychosocial Interventions: The office will also provide mental health support and conduct activities for residents, including those staying in evacuation centers during calamities.
Impact and Improved Access
The establishment of this satellite office represents a significant step in making essential government assistance more immediate and responsive. By locating a CIU on Samal Island, the DSWD reinforces its commitment to public service and enhances the implementation of its protective programs. This initiative is expected to drastically reduce the burden on residents who previously had to allocate time and resources for a boat and land journey just to access critical aid during emergencies.
The move is widely seen as a proactive measure to strengthen the social safety net for the island's population, ensuring help is available where and when it is needed most.
