TITLE X SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT Chapter 1 General Provisions SECTION 1. Declaration of Policies. - The Autonomous Regional Government is committed to the care, protection, and rehabilitation of individuals, families and communities in ARMM especially those who have less in life and those who need social welfare interventions to restore their normal functioning and enable them to participate in community affairs. SEC. 2. Mandate. - The Department shall provide a balanced approach to welfare whereby the needs and interests of the population are addressed not only at the outbreak of crisis, but more importantly at the stage which would inevitably lead to such crisis. It shall provide social protection, promote the rights and welfare of the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities and contribute to poverty alleviation and empowerment of the people through social welfare and development policies. Following such strategy, the Department‟s shall: (1) Care for, protect and rehabilitate the physically and mentally handicapped and socially disadvantaged constituents for effective social functioning; (2) Provide an integrated welfare package to its constituents on the basis of their needs and coordinate the service facilities required from such departments or agencies, government and non-governmental, which can best provide them; (3) Prevent further deterioration of the socially disabling or dehumanizing conditions of the disadvantaged segment of the population at the community level; and (4) Formulate, develop and advocate policies and measures addressing emerging social welfare concerns, especially on poverty alleviation program and people empowerment. SEC. 3. Powers and Functions. - To achieve its mandate and objectives the Department shall: (1) Implement national, regional and foreign assisted/funded programs and projects including pilot and special projects, consistent with regional policies and plans; (2) Formulate, develop and recommend regional social welfare development policies; (3) Disseminate information and publish bulletins on social welfare and development; (4) Promote, establish, support, operate and maintain social welfare facilities, projects and services in ARMM; 146