The Philippines, a country frequently battered by natural disasters such as super typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, has long recognized the importance of swift and effective disaster response.
To aid families affected by these calamities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has introduced the Family Access Card in Emergencies and Disasters (FACED).
This card is essential for making sure that disaster-affected families receive the assistance they need in a timely and organized manner.
What is FACED?
The Family Access Card in Emergencies and Disasters (FACED) is a profiling tool used by the DSWD to gather detailed demographic and socioeconomic information about families who are vulnerable to or have been affected by disasters.
The card collects important data such as names, ages, genders, education levels, and income details.
Additionally, post-disaster information, including damage to shelters and the type of humanitarian assistance received, is recorded.
Originally known as the Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC), FACED has been updated and enhanced to better serve its purpose.
It can be used during disaster preparedness, during the disaster impact phase, and after the disaster for recovery efforts.
Moreover, FACED acts as a verification tool to confirm the identity of families seeking aid, thus preventing fraud and making sure that assistance reaches the rightful recipients.
Purpose and Functionality of FACED
The primary purpose of FACED is to facilitate the efficient distribution of aid and services to families affected by disasters.
It serves as a comprehensive database, allowing the DSWD to:
- Identify and Track Disaster Victims:
FACED helps in accurately identifying and tracking disaster-affected families, making sure that all those in need are accounted for and receive the necessary assistance.
By preventing duplication of aid, FACED makes certain that resources are allocated effectively.
- Monitor Aid Distribution:
The card provides a detailed record of the type and amount of assistance each family receives.
This transparency makes sure that aid delivery is monitored and that all families are treated fairly.
- Tailor Assistance to Individual Needs:
FACED collects extensive information about each family, enabling the DSWD to provide targeted interventions based on specific needs.
For instance, families with vulnerable members such as the elderly, pregnant women, or persons with disabilities can be prioritized for certain types of aid.
- Enhance Disaster Response Planning:
The data gathered through FACED allows the DSWD to analyze patterns and trends in disaster vulnerability.
This information is important for designing more effective response and rehabilitation programs in the future.
- Implementation of FACED
FACED is typically implemented during the post-disaster phase as part of the DSWD’s response and early recovery activities.
DSWD personnel or volunteers gather information from families, often in evacuation centers, using either manual forms or the digital FACED Information System (IS).
Profiling Process
During the profiling process, two copies of the FACED form are filled out—one for the head of the family and another for the Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO).
After completing the form, the head of the family, along with the Barangay Captain and the LSWDO personnel, must sign it to verify the information.
Eligibility
To qualify for the DSWD’s temporary shelter assistance, families must meet specific criteria, which are focused on vulnerability and need. Below are the general qualifications and specific eligibility requirements:
General Qualifications:
- Vulnerable Families: Priority is given to families living in disaster-prone areas whose homes have been completely or partially damaged by a disaster. Additionally, these families must reside in areas declared as “unsafe zones” by national or local authorities, meaning they are prohibited from returning to their original homes.
- Safe Relocation: Families must be relocated to areas deemed safe, where the government has not declared the location as “not safe” or “not fit for dwelling.”
Specific Eligibility Requirements:
- Income Threshold: Families must have an income below the food threshold of their region, as determined by the National Statistics Office (NSO).
- Other Assistance: Families currently receiving housing assistance from government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), individuals, or groups are not eligible for this temporary shelter program.
- Family Head Status: Priority is given to families whose head of household has passed away or is incapacitated due to the disaster.
- Illness or Disability: Families where the head of the household is seriously ill, incapacitated, or differently-abled, making them unable to support the family’s basic needs without external assistance, are prioritized.
- Elderly Head of Household: Families headed by older persons who are not receiving social pensions or other retirement pensions and are unable to earn a living are given priority.
- Pregnant/Lactating Mothers: Families with pregnant, recently postpartum, or lactating women, as well as those with children under two years old, are prioritized.
- Large Families: Families with more than five members, especially where the majority are under 18 years old, are prioritized for assistance.
- Solo Parents: Families headed by single parents are given priority.
- Orphaned Children: Orphan children who lost their parents during the disaster and are capable of caring for younger siblings with the help of relatives are prioritized.
- Barangay Certification: Eligible families must present a certification from the Barangay Captain confirming their residency, the impact of the disaster on their homes, and the extent of damage (partial or total).
Selection Process
The selection process for the DSWD’s temporary shelter assistance program is designed to prioritize the most vulnerable families, making sure that those in greatest need receive the necessary support. The process involves several key steps, which are carefully coordinated between the Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) and the DSWD Field Office.
- Identification and Validation
The selection process begins with the Local Government Unit (LGU), specifically through its Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO). The LSWDO administers the Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC) to identify families affected by the disaster.
LSWDO personnel conduct on-site validation to verify the information provided by these families. This includes confirming that the homes of these families are totally or partially damaged and that they are located in areas declared as “no dwelling zones.” This step helps make sure that only those who genuinely need assistance are considered for the program.
- Masterlist Submission
After the DAFAC forms are completed and the initial validation is done, the LSWDO compiles a masterlist of families with totally and partially damaged homes. This list is then submitted to the DSWD Field Office for further processing.
- Field Office Validation
The DSWD Field Office plays a key role in the next phase. They conduct area visits to validate the masterlist submitted by the LSWDO. During these visits, the Field Office verifies the names on the list against other government records, such as those from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to confirm residency and with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to make sure that the families are not previous beneficiaries of NHA-administered resettlement programs.
- Final List Determination
Following the thorough validation process, the DSWD Field Office meets with the LSWDO to review the findings. Together, they discuss the results and determine the final list of beneficiaries based on the eligibility criteria outlined in the program’s guidelines. This collaborative effort makes certain that the selection process is fair, transparent, and focused on those who meet the requirements.
- Orientation for Beneficiaries
Once the final list of beneficiaries is determined, the DSWD and LSWDO organize an orientation for the selected families. During this session, beneficiaries are informed about the procedures for selection, awarding, and maintenance of the shelter units. This step is important for setting clear expectations and responsibilities for the beneficiaries.
- Contract Agreement
Beneficiaries are required to sign a contract with the DSWD and the LGU, agreeing to certain terms and conditions. These include not selling, renting, or mortgaging the shelter unit. This contract makes sure that the shelter assistance provided is used as intended and remains a temporary solution for those in need.
- Room Allocation
For families with more than five members, the program provides additional consideration by offering two rooms instead of one. This allocation is based on the size and needs of the family, making sure that the living arrangements are as comfortable and practical as possible under the circumstances.
Obtaining a FACED Card: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those affected by disasters, understanding how to obtain a FACED card is essential to accessing the assistance provided by the DSWD.
Disaster Declaration:
The distribution of FACED cards is typically activated in areas declared under a state of calamity.
Coordination with LGUs:
The DSWD works closely with LGUs to identify and verify families in need of assistance.
Distribution Points:
Designated distribution points are set up by the DSWD where affected families can receive their FACED cards.
Verification and Registration:
Families are required to provide basic information and documentation, such as a valid ID, to verify their identity and register for assistance.
Card Issuance:
Once verified, families are issued a FACED card containing their information and a unique identification number.
Sample Copy of the FACED Card
The FACED serves as a profiling tool utilized by the DSWD to collect demographic and socioeconomic data of disaster-affected families. It includes essential details like the family head’s name, age, gender, education, and income. The barangay takes the lead in enumerating families eligible for the program, gathering post-disaster data on property damage and received assistance. FACED acts as a preparation measure for disaster response and aids in verifying families for accessing government support and rehabilitation interventions. It incorporates the Vulnerability Assessment Index (VAI) to measure and prioritize a family’s risk level for targeted assistance.
Maintaining Data Protection and Privacy
Throughout all stages of the FACED process, from data collection to management, the DSWD adheres to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173).
This maintains that the personal and sensitive information gathered through FACED is protected and used solely for its intended purpose.
Confidentiality Agreements:
All personnel, whether hired or volunteers, who administer FACED, are bound by confidentiality agreements to safeguard the information they collect.
Data Sharing Agreements (DSA):
For data-sharing purposes, particularly with local government units (LGUs) and partner organizations, a Data Sharing Agreement is executed to regulate how the information is shared and used.
The Role of FACED in Disaster Preparedness and Response
The implementation of FACED has had a profound impact on the DSWD’s ability to manage disaster response and recovery operations.
By providing a structured approach to data collection and aid distribution, FACED has:
Guaranteed Fair Distribution of Aid:
FACED helps prevent the duplication of services and makes sure that all affected families receive the assistance they are entitled to.
Improved Efficiency of Relief Operations:
The card facilitates the swift identification and tracking of disaster victims, streamlining the delivery of aid.
Strengthened Disaster Preparedness:
FACED enables the DSWD to better understand community vulnerabilities, leading to more effective disaster preparedness strategies.
Future Directions for FACED
The DSWD is committed to continually improving the FACED system to enhance its effectiveness in disaster response and recovery.
Integration with Other Social Protection Programs:
There are plans to link FACED with other DSWD programs to provide a more holistic view of the needs of vulnerable families.
Digitalization of FACED:
The DSWD is exploring the possibility of implementing a digital version of FACED to improve data collection, storage, and accessibility.
Increased Awareness and Training:
Efforts are ongoing to educate communities about the benefits of FACED and to train personnel on its proper use.
Conclusion
The Family Access Card in Emergencies and Disasters (FACED) is an invaluable tool in the DSWD’s efforts to provide effective and fair disaster response services.
By collecting comprehensive data on disaster-affected families, FACED enables the DSWD to better understand the needs of vulnerable populations, target assistance effectively, and improve the overall efficiency of its disaster response operations.
In a country as disaster-prone as the Philippines, FACED is more than just a card—it is a lifeline that helps make sure that no family is left behind in times of crisis.