The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) on Thursday said it is fast-tracking the process of releasing the delayed salaries, allowances, and reimbursements of its affected employees.

The newly-established regional office issued the statement as some of its employees have yet to receive their pay for the first month of the year.

“The management of DSWD-NIR empathizes with the affected personnel. Rest assured that we are on top of the situation to facilitate immediate release of the pending remunerations due for the employees,” it added.

The affected personnel include social workers, field personnel, and office staff.

The DSWD-NIR, headed by Regional Director Arvin Razo, opened its field office in Dumaguete City in August last year in line with Republic Act 12000 or the NIR Act that created the new administrative region.

NIR comprises the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, and the highly urbanized Bacolod City.

“We acknowledge that the establishment of an agency in a newly-created region is a complex process, but it is being carried out with the intent of strengthening social welfare services and improving long-term efficiency,” it said.

The DSWD-NIR said it is now enrolling in the Electronic Modified Disbursement System, a process required to be completed before salaries can be released independently.

It includes finalizing the regional office’s own banking, payroll and financial system, leaning toward full fiscal independence, it added. (PNA)