SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — A total of 482 residents from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro received on March 20 cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
A total of ₱2 million assistance fund through DSWD’s Cash Relief Assistance Program was disbursed by the agency through the town’s SWD Office.
Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Alice Cajayon said that beneficiaries include solo parents, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, individuals seeking medical assistance, and students requiring financial support for college expenses.
“Ilan sa ating mga benepisyaryo ay mga kababaihan at kabataan na nakakaranas ng krisis at ang iba naman ay biktima ng pang-aabuso,” Cajayon said.
(Some of our beneficiaries are women and youth in crisis, while others are victims of abuse.)
Each beneficiary received ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 based on DSWD guidelines.
Cajayon expressed hope that the financial aid will help ease the beneficiaries’ financial burdens.
Among the recipients was 68-year old Salvacion Vergara from Barangay Labangan, who requires ongoing medical treatment for kidney and heart conditions.
She reported that her 73-year old husband’s earnings from driving a tricycle are insufficient to cover their daily expenses and her medical bills.
Another recipient, Monaliza Duran, a single parent from Barangay Bagong Sikat, said she plans to use the financial assistance to purchase medicine for her daughter, who recently underwent gallbladder surgery at a private hospital in Calapan City.
Duran explained that she raised over ₱300,000 for the operation by seeking help from officials and friends.
“Bilang solo-parent, malaking tulong sa akin ang natanggap kong cash assistance para sa pagpapatuloy ng gamot ng aking anak,” Duran said. (VND/PIA MIMAROPA–Occidental Mindoro)
