The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has spearheaded the Listahanan project— a strategic measure to address the pressing needs of the Philippines’ most vulnerable populations. Listahanan, also known as the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), is explicitly designed to aid the bottom million households determined to be ‘food-poor’ by stringent government standards.
Addressing government agencies, local community collaborators, and private sector partners, this program provides data that directs social welfare programs and services to where they are most needed.
The Listahanan DSWD was first launched in 2009 and has since then undergone various rounds of data collection. The program uses a computerized targeting system to identify households that belong to the poorest 25% of the population. These households are then included in the Listahanan database, which serves as the basis for identifying beneficiaries of various social welfare programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and Sustainable Livelihood Program.
What is DSWD’s Listahanan?
It is an innovative information management system that identifies who and where the poor are in the Philippines. It serves as a pioneer database for national government agencies and other relevant stakeholders, providing a comprehensive organization of information on poor households nationwide. Initiated in 2011, the initiative has undergone rounds of household assessments to accurately pinpoint the needy, facilitating targeted and efficient social support services.
Legal Basis
The program operates under Executive Order No. 867, issued in March 2010, which mandates all National Government Agencies (NGAs) to adopt the NHTS-PR results for identifying program beneficiaries. This legal framework ensures that the database is a primary resource for over 1,200 stakeholders, including NGAs, Local Government Units (LGUs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Significance of the Initiative
The significance of this database cannot be overstated. It has been instrumental in the strategic allocation of resources for social support programs, reducing leakage and under-coverage of services. For instance, the first round of assessment identified 5.2 million poor households from 10.9 million assessed, which then became beneficiaries of programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the Philhealth Indigent Program. By 2017, after the second assessment, the list of poor households was updated to 5,251,194, reflecting the dynamic nature of poverty and the necessity of timely data.
Benefits
Program beneficiaries gain access to a range of social protection programs designed to address their immediate needs and empower them towards self-sufficiency. These programs include cash transfers for health and education, health insurance subsidies, livelihood opportunities, and more, aimed at uplifting the quality of life of the impoverished.
Eligibility / Qualifications
Eligibility for the scheme is determined through the Proxy Means Test (PMT), a statistical model estimating household income based on various indicators. Households with estimated per capita incomes falling below their provincial poverty thresholds are classified as poor and become eligible for inclusion in the database.
Requirements
To be considered for the program, households must undergo assessment and provide accurate information regarding their socio-economic status. This includes details about family composition, occupation, income sources, access to basic services, and more, as collected during the assessment phases.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for the Program
- Awareness: Stay informed about the assessment schedule in your area through LGUs and DSWD announcements.
- Assessment: Participate in the household assessment conducted by DSWD field staff. Provide complete and accurate information about your household.
- Validation: After the initial list of poor households is posted, verify your inclusion and report any discrepancies or omissions to the Local Verification Committee (LVC) for reassessment.
- Finalization: Upon finalization of the list, eligible households will be notified and can then access the designated social welfare programs.
Success Stories / Recent Updates
Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program (FSP) Beneficiaries Attend Nutrition Education Session in Tondo, Manila
In Tondo, Manila, on Wednesday (February 7), around 1,200 beneficiaries of the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program (FSP) gathered at Barangay 17’s Covered Court for their second nutrition education session. This session is a requirement for FSP beneficiaries to continue receiving their monthly food credit worth Php 3000.
The FSP, a priority program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), aims to combat involuntary hunger by providing food augmentation to the bottom 1 million households identified through Listahanan 3. These households meet the food-poor criteria established by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The nutrition education sessions serve as a platform for beneficiaries to learn about providing nutritious food for themselves and their families, ensuring that they make the most of the food credits provided by the program. Through these sessions, the DSWD aims to empower beneficiaries with the knowledge and skills to improve their overall well-being and food security.
21 LGUs Sign Listahanan Data Sharing Agreement in 2023; Database Promotion Continues in 2024
In 2023, a significant milestone was achieved as 21 Local Government Units (LGUs) secured access to the Listahanan 3 database, administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through the National Household Targeting Section. This database serves as an essential information management system, housing data on impoverished and vulnerable households in the region. Its primary objective is to identify potential beneficiaries for social support programs and services.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has outlined a steadfast commitment to actively promote the database. This ongoing initiative holds immense importance, as the database serves as a valuable reference for prioritizing the needs of the impoverished and vulnerable sectors in the implementation of various programs and services. By leveraging the comprehensive data within the database, the department aims to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most, fostering inclusive and targeted support for the marginalized communities in Caraga.
Consultation Dialogue with Partners on Listahanan 3 Data Sharing and Utilization
In Region 1, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Listahanan has identified a total of 184,716 households as impoverished based on the results of Listahanan 3. This data can serve as a valuable resource for various government agencies and private sectors through a data sharing agreement.
To discuss the process of requesting and obtaining data from Listahanan, a Consultation Dialogue with Partners on Listahanan 3 Data Sharing and Utilization took place on August 17, 2023. This dialogue aims to facilitate collaboration between DSWD and its partners involved in implementing social welfare programs and services.
DSWD Launches Listahanan 3 Result to Identify Potential Beneficiaries for Social Protection Programs
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to unveil the final result of Listahanan 3, also known as the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), on Monday, August 1 at the DSWD Central Office. Listahanan is an information management system that creates a comprehensive database of impoverished households, serving as a basis for identifying potential beneficiaries for various social welfare programs and services nationwide. By employing scientific methods, this database aims to establish a unified criterion for identifying households in need, ensuring that assistance is provided to those who truly require it.
Video: Listahanan 3, pormal nang inilunsad ng DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has officially launched Listahanan 3, a comprehensive database aimed at identifying and targeting the most vulnerable households in the Philippines. This is the third iteration of the program, which utilizes a rigorous assessment process to determine eligibility for various social support programs and services. With the launch of the scheme, the DSWD aims to improve the targeting and delivery of assistance to those who need it the most, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. This initiative is a significant step towards reducing poverty and promoting inclusive development in the country.
Conclusion
The DSWD’s program is a cornerstone in the Philippines’ efforts to eradicate poverty and ensure that no one is left behind. By identifying and targeting the poor, this database enables the government and its partners to deliver social support services more effectively, making a tangible difference in the lives of millions. As we continue to navigate the challenges of poverty, programs like Listahanan are vital in paving the way towards a more inclusive and prosperous society.