LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Police Regional-Office Cordillera expressed its admiration to Social Amelioration Program (SAP) recipients in the region who chose not to receive the cash aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units.
“It is heartwarming that amidst this crisis where almost every day is a struggle, people here in the Cordillera do not think of getting more for themselves. Rather, they share what they have so that everyone is satisfied,” said PRO-Cor Director B/Gen. R’win Pagkalinawan.
He said such gesture reflects the upright characteristic of Cordillerans, their resiliency, and their concern for others.
Since the start of the distribution of the SAP in April, numerous individuals who were shortlisted by the local government units to receive the fund aid declined the support, saying they believe they do not qualify under the parameters set by the DSWD and other families are more deserving.
Some opted to waive the financial assistance knowing they have enough for their families and have continuous source of compensation, while others are simply honest since their spouses were already recipients in other places; some are government employees, while some are 4Ps beneficiaries.
In Abra and Benguet, more than a hundred SAP beneficiaries waived the P5,500 cash aid while other provinces are still consolidating their data as distribution still ongoing.
Pagkalinawan said he is confident that the funds allotted to address the concerns of the less fortunate in the region are appropriately given to the right family, especially since part of the salaries of Philippine National Police personnel were committed to the SAP for Covid-19. The PNP also initiated other programs, such as the “Kapwa ko, sagot ko” and Adopt a Family.
“Times of crisis should be moments where everyone must really be a brother or sister’s keeper. I am honored to be in the Cordillera, where you can feel the sincerity, selflessness, and harmony of the people, not only through individual and organizational efforts, but especially in inter-agency collaboration.” he said. – Press release
