Some 454 persons with disabilities (PWDs) here received financial assistance worth PHP3,000 each on Wednesday under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
The PHP1.362-million cash aid, made possible through the Office of Senator Lawrence Christopher “Bong” Go, was requested by the city government for residents whose livelihood was badly hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
“I am happy that Senator Bong Go responded to us and found a way to help us in giving aid to sectors affected by the pandemic, especially our PWDs,” Mayor Evelio Leonardia said in a statement.
Leonardia witnessed the distribution of the financial assistance during the program held at the main lobby of the Government Center.
The cash assistance was distributed by the city’s Department of Social Services and Development headed by Pacita Tero in two batches to ensure adherence to physical distancing.
In the morning, 222 beneficiaries received the payout while 232 were accommodated in the afternoon.
The AICS, a protective service for the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable/disadvantaged individuals is being implemented by the DSWD as part of its technical assistance and resource augmentation support to local government units and other partners.
The program is a social safety net or a stop-gap mechanism to support the recovery of individuals and families from unexpected crisis such as illness or death of a family member, and other crises. (PNA)
