March 29, 2024
CASH ASSISTANCE — The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera handed over P10,000 each as financial assistance to the 469 beneficiaries who were victims of the Baguio City Public Market fire. DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian and other DSWD officials graced the event. — Neil Clark Ongchangco

The Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to provide assistance to the vendors affected by the March 11 Baguio public market fire to help them re-start and boost their business undertakings.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Sec. Rex Gatchalian, joined by DSWD-Cordillera officials headed by Regional Director Leo Quintilla, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, Soledad Go who represented  Rep. Mark Go, and City Social Welfare and Development Officer Liza Bulayungan, led the payout of the P10,000 Livelihood Settlement Grant to 469 beneficiaries on May 4.

The same livelihood grant under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program was provided to 355 vendors last March 30 bringing to 824 the total number of beneficiaries. 

Quintilla said the livelihood grant given to the CSWDO-endorsed beneficiaries will help them re-start or boost their enterprises.

They do not need to pay it back, the DSWD will just monitor how they use the P10,000.

Gatchalian committed the support of the DSWD and the national government.

It is the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos to prioritize the provision of assistance to victims of disasters and calamities especially to those who need it most.

Nandito po ang DSWD kasi ang bilin nga po ng Presidente sa atin, kung may mga ganitong klaseng sakuna, lalo na sa mga maliliit nating negosyante katulad nyo, importante na nakakatulong ang gobyerno na makabangon kayong muli.”

Hangarin ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na pinangangalagaan ang ating maliliit na negosyante na katulad nyo lalo na sa ganitong mga pagkakataon na may sakuna,” Gatchalian said.

The DSWD through the Cordillera Regional Field Office provided immediate assistance to the market fire victims by providing 1,200 family food packs.

Around P22 million financial assistance under the DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program was also provided to the city SWDO-endorsed beneficiaries. – Carlito C. Dar