Residents of Surigao del Sur will soon have easier access to key government assistance as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Caraga Region begins construction of a new satellite office that will bring major social protection programs under one roof.

DSWD-Caraga, in partnership with the province’s two congressional district offices and the provincial government, held the groundbreaking ceremony for the multipurpose building in Barangay Rosario, Tandag City on Tuesday.

The facility will rise on a 2,000-square-meter lot and will house offices for several DSWD programs, including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps; Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations; and the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“Once operational, the satellite office is expected to make DSWD programs and services more accessible to individuals and families in Surigao del Sur, reducing the need for beneficiaries to travel to other locations to seek government assistance,” the DSWD-Caraga said in a statement Wednesday.

The agency added that the building will be part of a development area where offices of various national government agencies are also located, supporting efforts to establish a centralized government service hub in the province.

DSWD-Caraga Director Mari-Flor Dollaga joined Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo Sr., 2nd District Rep. Alexander Pimentel, and provincial and local government officials during the groundbreaking.

“The project is envisioned to contribute to a one-stop government service center where Surigaonons can more conveniently access social protection interventions and other government services,” the regional DSWD office said. (PNA)