At least 2,200 low-income residents here benefited from the PHP11 million cash assistance distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 (Davao region) on Thursday.

The beneficiaries received PHP5,000 each from the financial aid sourced through the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

The AICS forms part of the DSWD’s protective services for the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals and technical assistance to local government units and other partners.

The beneficiaries include farmers, fisher folk, the elderly, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and other sectors affected by the impact of the pandemic.

Apart from the DSWD-11’s financial assistance, the office of Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, along with local and national agency representatives, also distributed various supplies to the beneficiaries.

Go distributed bicycles, volleyballs and basketballs, crutches, shoes, mobile tablets, food and grocery packs, vitamins, face masks, and face shields.

He urged residents who have illnesses to seek help from the government and avail of the services offered by the Malasakit Center.

“We have a total of 151 Malasakit Centers in the country. It was established to help the poor,” Go said.

He also pledged to put up a “Manay Super Health Center” that would cater to the immediate needs of the town residents.

Mayor Jon Marco Dayanghirang said the AICS assistance would greatly help his constituents, most of whom have been struggling due to the pandemic.

“This will help them buy their food and medicine,” he said. (PNA)