By Edalyn B. Acta & Felipe V. Celino
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured that cash aid of P10,000 each for families affected by the massive flooding in Capiz will not be politicized.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian allayed fears that families not allied politically with local officials will still receive their financial aid from the national government.
Gatchalian visited Capiz twice in the aftermath of the devastation of the flooding caused by rains of Typhoon Ramil.
He reiterated that DSWD has a system of validating who are the rightful beneficiaries.
“Our local social welfare and development offices have a system in validating those who are affected,” explained Gatchalian.
“Let’s leave our social workers to do their jobs. We should trust our social workers. They know what they are doing—whether they’re from DSWD or at the municipal level,” added Gatchalian.
The DSWD is still getting the verified list of potential beneficiaries from local government units (LGUs) before the cash aid can be distributed.
As of October 25, DSWD data showed that more than 67,100 families in 292 barangays were affected in the province by the flooding.
During Gatchalian’s visits in the province, more than P27.2 million worth of family food packs and ready-to-eat meals were distributed.
During the October 23 visit, Gatchalian was accompanied by Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr. and Assistant Secretary Lorenzo “Jun” Sagucio Jr.
Lagdameo assured that the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is prioritizing the needs of the flood victims.
The cabinet officials also had a meeting with Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro, Vice Governor Jaime “Mitang” Magbanua, 1st District Congressman Howard Guintu, Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, and Panay Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa.
Former senator Mar Roxas was with the cabinet officials when they arrived.
Caption
Cabinet officials with local officials during distribution of food packs to victims of the massive flooding in Capiz. (Photo from Congressman Guintu Facebook page)
