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Why are there so many DSWD programs?: Sen. Panfilo Lacson sounds the alarm bell over the possible overlapping claims for beneficiaries under the different programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). During Tuesday’s hybrid plenary session November 23, 2021 deliberating on the agency’s proposed 2022 budget, Lacson asked whether the DSWD could streamline its programs so that the government will be able to save money from overhead costs. “If we are targeting the same beneficiaries, what’s the point of inventing so many programs? We can just expand a program so that at least we will be able to cut the administration costs,” Lacson pointed out. Sen. Imee Marcos, who is defending the DSWD budget, shared the sentiments of Lacson, saying that she has also repeatedly asked the department the same thing “and the answer has been very difficult.” (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB).