As a staggering count of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) positive cases have affected the Visayas region, with quarantine protocols threatening the people’s financial stability and putting a halt to their livelihoods, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) distributed a PHP42-million multipurpose cash grant (MPCG) to aid 8,820 vulnerable families in Cebu, Lapu-Lapu – Cordova, Western Samar, and Leyte.

“Our kababayan need our help, not only to alleviate their dire situation but to redeem their dignity. PRC, with its partner national societies, always aims not only to help but to lead people how to confidently begin again after every disaster,” PRC chairman and CEO, Senator Richard Gordon, said in a news release.

Gordon, during his visit to Cebu province on Friday, said the Red Cross is not a handout organization and that beneficiaries are greatly encouraged to invest their cash assistance in livelihood projects.

He met with Rosendo Lacaba, a blind man from Liloan town, Cebu, who called Gordon for assistance during the pandemic and was surprised that the latter personally answered his phone call.

His family was given food provisions through PRC-Cebu City.

Funded by the American Red Cross, the MPCG program in Cebu targets 3,000 families in 15 barangays, with 500 families in four barangays from Lapu-Lapu to Cordova.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the PRC has been providing cash aid to help the most vulnerable sectors.

In partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the PRC recently assisted vulnerable families and affected individuals in Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Antipolo, and Cainta, among other pandemic stricken-places. (PNA)