Social welfare as a basic function of the state was a concept that materialized only after the Second World War, although different groups were undertaking pockets of social work in the first decade of the American occupation in the country. After the war, the Philippine government gradually assumed the major responsibility for social welfare.
1915
The Public Welfare Board (PWB) was created. Its functions were to study, coordinate and regulate all government and private entities engaged in social services.
1921
The PWB was abolished and replaced by the Bureau of Public Welfare under the Department of Public Instruction.
1939
Commonwealth Act No. 439 created the Department of Health and Public Welfare.
1941
The Bureau of Public Welfare officially became part of the Department of Health and Public Welfare. It also managed all public child-caring institutions and the provision of child welfare services.
1947
President Manuel A. Roxas abolished the Bureau of Public Welfare and created the Social Welfare Commission (SWC) under the Office of the President.
1948
President Elpidio Quirino created the President's Action Committee on Social Amelioration (PACSA) to effect socio-economic reforms in the countryside to counteract social unrest.
1951
The SWC and PACSA were merged into the Social Welfare Administration (SWA), marking the beginning of an integrated public welfare program.
1968
Republic Act 5416 (Social Welfare Act of 1968) elevated the SWA into a Department under the executive branch of government.
1976
Renamed Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) via Presidential Decree No. 994 signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
1978
Renamed Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) following the shift from presidential to parliamentary government.
1987
Reorganized and renamed Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under Executive Order 123 signed by President Corazon C. Aquino.
1991
Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) effected the devolution of DSWD basic services to local government units.
1998
President Estrada issued Executive Order No. 15 to strengthen DSWD's repositioning efforts following the Local Government Code implementation.
2003
President Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 221 amending EO No. 15, defining the mandate, roles, powers and functions of DSWD.
2005
DBM approved the Rationalization and Streamlining Plan (RSP) on January 28, 2005, emphasizing DSWD's shift in policy, functions and programs.