(Right photo). A DSWD social worker distributes cash assistance to senior citizens.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista went to Alaminos City in Pangasinan on June 9 to visit the joint core shelter project of the Department and the local government for families affected by disasters and to oversee the distribution of aid to city residents.
The core shelter project was implemented by the Department, through its Field Office I, and the city government of Alaminos. Some 231 families are now occupying the core houses at the project sites located in Barangays Lucap, Victoria, and Pangapisan.
Meanwhile, more than 4,000 indigent residents of the city received various forms of assistance composed of food, non-food, and cash from the Department through its Field Office 1.
In his message during the short fellowship held with the residents, Secretary Bautista urged them to always count their blessings and be thankful for the help.
“Magpasalamat tayo sa pagsasama-sama natin ngayon na kabilang ang ating mga pinuno na tumitingin at nakikinig sa mga boses natin na nangangailangan” (We must be thankful of this assembly with our leaders who ensure that voices of those in need are heard and considered), Secretary Bautista added. The Secretary was joined by city officials headed by Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste during the fellowship.
Secretary Bautista also mentioned that among the services of the DSWD is the operations of the ‘Malasakit Centers’ in identified hospitals as ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for indigent patients.
There are currently 118 hospitals with Malasakit Centers. Of which 61 are in Luzon, 29 in Visayas, and 28 in Mindanao.
The DSWD Chief also emphasized that each member of the community has a responsibility to stop COVID-19 by following health protocols, like using masks and face shields, and practicing physical distancing, and hand sanitizing at all times.
For her part, DSWD- Field office I Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan also reminded the beneficiaries to use their financial assistance wisely.
“Ito po ay tulong at kung gagamitin sa maayos ay makakatawid sa atin sa anumang ating hinaharap dito sa pandemya” (This help if used wisely will go a long way in helping us overcome the effects of this pandemic), she said.
The DSWD vows the unhampered delivery of social services to the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized amid the pandemic. ###
