The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) is a government agency that serves as the primary point of contact responsible for delivering social welfare programs to individuals and communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups, MSSD implements a range of initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of the region’s citizens.
As an agency, the MSSD prioritizes those facing economic hardship, including women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and internally displaced individuals. Additionally, it plays an active role in disaster response and crisis management to support affected populations. To learn more about what MSSD is all about and how it helps, we created this article for you.
MSSD History
When BARMM replaced ARMM in 2019, its regional departments were reorganized into ministries. The DSWD-ARMM was restructured as the Ministry of Social Services and Development. On February 26, 2019, interim Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim appointed Raissa Herradura Jajurie as its first minister. This transition aimed to align social services with the new Bangsamoro governance structure.
Logo
The MSSD logo features a circular emblem incorporating the colors green, yellow, and red, symbolizing unity, service, and the Bangsamoro identity. At its center is a crescent moon and star, representing the Islamic heritage of the Bangsamoro people, surrounded by stylized human figures holding hands, signifying inclusivity and social development. This design reflects the ministry’s commitment to uplifting communities through social welfare programs and services.
Mandate
The MSSD operates under this mandate from the Philippine government:
“The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) is the agency mandated to provide a balanced and responsive approach to social welfare whereby the rights, needs, and interests of all citizens within its jurisdiction, with special focus on the marginalized and vulnerable sectors, including women, children, senior citizens, differently-abled persons, indigenous cultural communities, internally displaced persons, and those similarly situated by analogy, are protected and addressed at all times, especially during the existence of a crisis, whether natural or human-induced, that affects their well-being and their participation in community affairs.”
Functions and Responsibilities
MSSD operates under a structured framework that encompasses various responsibilities, including:
Social Welfare Services
- Implementation of programs that assist marginalized and at-risk individuals.
- Development of social protection policies to reduce poverty and improve access to essential services.
- Collaboration with local government units (LGUs) to enhance social welfare initiatives.
Disaster Response and Crisis Management
- Deployment of aid during natural disasters, conflicts, and emergencies.
- Coordination with other government agencies and humanitarian organizations to deliver timely relief efforts.
- Establishment of programs to support displaced families and communities.
Child and Youth Welfare
- Promotion of holistic development for children through targeted social programs.
- Expansion of educational and livelihood opportunities for young individuals.
- Implementation of protective services for children at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Financial and Social Assistance
- Use of digital payment systems to streamline cash assistance programs.
- Expansion of social insurance coverage, particularly for informal workers and underserved communities.
- Regulation of fund drives and public solicitations to ensure transparency and accountability in social welfare funding.
Policy and Advocacy
MSSD actively formulates and advocates for policies that enhance social welfare in BARMM. Key policy areas include:
- Promotion of laws addressing the needs of marginalized communities.
- Development of training programs for social workers and government personnel.
- Strengthening partnerships with national and international organizations for technical cooperation.
Benefits and Coverage
As the restructured counterpart of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the MSSD provides comprehensive social welfare programs to support marginalized and vulnerable communities in the BARMM region. Its services include financial assistance, emergency relief, livelihood programs, and social protection initiatives for individuals and families facing crises. Its aid also extends to the indigent households, internally displaced persons, victims of abuse, and those affected by natural or human-induced disasters. The ministry also facilitates reintegration programs for returning Filipinos, former combatants, and deportees to help them regain stability. Through its various initiatives, MSSD aims to improve living conditions, promote inclusivity, and strengthen social support systems across the Bangsamoro region.
Target Beneficiaries
The programs of the MSSD are designed to benefit the following groups:
- Individuals and families in poverty, crisis, or vulnerable situations
- Homeless individuals, stranded persons, and those in need of temporary shelter
- Returning Filipinos affected by war, calamities, or emergencies abroad
- Deportees and undocumented migrants sent back to the Philippines
- Orphans, abandoned children, elderly, and individuals separated from their families
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs), victims of gender-based violence, human trafficking, and other crises
- Household heads and dependents of overseas Filipino workers experiencing financial difficulties
- Indigent individuals, including unemployed senior citizens and persons with disabilities
- Former combatants and rebel returnees seeking reintegration into society
- Families of individuals affected by armed conflicts, law enforcement operations, or violence
- Households affected by fires or disasters beyond their control
Organizational Structure
MSSD follows a structured organizational framework to effectively implement its programs and services. The agency consists of the following key divisions:
Administrative and Finance Services
- Manages financial and human resources within the ministry.
- Oversees budget allocations for social welfare initiatives.
Programs and Operations Services
- Works closely with provincial and city social welfare offices to monitor and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Coordinates with LGUs and civil society organizations to enhance program delivery.
Disaster Response and Management Division
- Leads emergency relief and rehabilitation programs for communities affected by calamities.
- Implements proactive disaster preparedness strategies.
Protective Services and Welfare Division
- Focuses on services for marginalized groups, including women, children, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities.
- Develops programs that promote inclusivity and social equity.
Programs and Services
Some of the programs and services offered by the MSSD to its target beneficiaries include:
Regular Programs
- Child And Youth Welfare Program (CYWP)
- Kupkop Program
- Family And Community Welfare Program (FCWP)
- Unlad Pamilyang Bangsamoro Program
- Angat Bangsamoro: Kabataan Tungo Sa Karunungan Program
- Women’s Welfare Program (WWP)
- Older Persons and Persons with Disability Program (OPPWDP)
- Kalinga Para Sa May Kapansanan Program
- Disaster Response Management Division
- B-CARES Program
- Humanitarian Assistance and Transfer for Individuals in Distress (HATID) Program
- Emergency Relief Assistance
- Water, Sanitation, And Hygiene (WASH)
- Cash For Work
- LIGTAS Pamilya Program
- Lingkod Pamayanan Para Sa Kapayapaan Program
Nationally Funded Programs
- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
- Sustainable Livelihood Program
- Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens
- Supplementary Feeding Program
- Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger And Poverty (EPAHP)
- Regional Juvenile Justice Welfare Committee
- Recovery And Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP)
- Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT)
Video: MSSD Services in BARMM and Beyond
MSSD plays a pivotal role in delivering social services and development programs across BARMM. Through a comprehensive approach to welfare, disaster response, and policy advocacy, MSSD strives to improve the lives of the region’s most vulnerable populations, even those living outside the BARMM region. According to Racmah Abdula, head of the Disaster Response and Management Division, meaningful access to aid is necessary to ensure no Bangsamoro family is left behind. MSSD works closely with local governments to extend support, regardless of tribe or location, making sure those in need receive essential services. By staying engaged with MSSD’s initiatives, citizens and stakeholders can also contribute not only to the MSSD initiatives but also to building a more inclusive and resilient Bangsamoro society.
Individuals interested in MSSD programs and updates can access information through the following:
Main Office Address: Bangsamoro Government Center, MSSD-BARMM, Gov. Gutierrez Ave., RH-7, Cotabato City
Contact Number: 0644215856
Email Address: mssd@bangsamoro.gov.ph
Official Website: https://mssd.bangsamoro.gov.ph/
Official Social Media Pages
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MSSDBangsamoro/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mssdbangsamoro/#