At least 3,000 low-income residents here benefited from the financial assistance of PHP3,000 each distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Thursday.

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, along with local and national agency representatives, witnessed the distribution of various DSWD assistance in the form of financial aid, food and grocery packs, vitamins, face masks, and face shields.

Go also handed over volleyballs, basketballs, bicycles, shoes, crutches, and mobile tablets.

The senator urged the beneficiaries to use the money they received wisely and make sure that it would help the needs of their family.

He also reminded them to have themselves inoculated with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) jabs.

“There is still a pandemic, and we need to make sure of your protection. Please help the government and have yourself vaccinated,” Go added.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the DSWD has extended various forms of assistance to millions of individuals in crisis situations.

The PHP9 million financial aid distribution was sourced from the DSWD’s Assistance To Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

The AICS is 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, fisherfolk, the elderly, solo parents, and other sectors that were affected by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Mayor Kathrina Orencia thanked the national government despite being one of Davao Oriental’s farthest towns.

“We are happy that the DSWD reached us and helped the people here in Governor Generoso,” she said. (PNA)