In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring the programs of government closer to persons with disabilities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted a nationwide simultaneous payout activity for its Cash-for-Work (CFW) for persons with disabilities on December 3, 2022.
The activity entitled, “BUHAYnihan or Buhay at Bayanihan para sa Mamamayan Cash-for-Work for Persons with Disabilities” was spearheaded by the DSWD Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS).
A total amount of P337,500.00 was allotted in the Municipality of Guiguinto, Bulacan
About 75 persons with disabilities in Guiguinto, Bulacan received P2,250.00 each for their five (5) days of work while the other five (5) days of work is expected to be paid out on December 12, 2022.
The CFW aims to distribute cash support to beneficiaries in exchange for their rendered community work. It also aims to provide short-term intervention by providing temporary employment to low-income or no-income families with members with disabilities.
If the person with disability beneficiary cannot perform the assigned job because of physical limitations, they may recommend a member of their family to do the task on their behalf.
Each beneficiary was allowed to work for six to ten days with the corresponding daily wage based on their region’s 2022 Regional Daily Wage Rate.
The payout of the CFW program was held in various regions across the country. In Field Office III, it was graced by DSWD executive committee members, including Assistant Secretary Diana Rose Cajipe, Regional Director in Field Office III, Dir. Jonathan V. Dirain, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, ARDO Venus F. Rebuldela, and other KALAHI-CIDSS RPMO staff, attended the activity in Guiguinto, Bulacan.
After the message of Secretary Tulfo and the simultaneous payout at the activity, Dir. Dirain encouraged and pledged his support for Persons with Disabilities (PWD). He said, “Naniniwala tayong bawat buhay ay mahalaga at sama-samang nating iaangat ang mga mamamayan mula sa laylayan. Kaya naman ang programang ito ay isa sa ating mga paraan upang bigyang halaga ang karapatang pantao ng mga kababayan nating Persons with Disabilities. Isa ito sa mga direktiba ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Sa paraang ito, nasisiguro nating nabibigyan kayo ng pagkakataon upang maipakita ang inyong kakayahan at lakas ng walang panghuhusga at walang alinlangan. Asahan ninyong patuloy kaming aagapay, gagabay, at kakalinga sa inyo dahil bawat buhay ay mahalaga sa DSWD. Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang mga kababayan nating may kapansanan!”
Meanwhile, Norina A. Galacio, one of the persons with disabilities who received cash assistance, expressed his gratitude for being one of the chosen beneficiaries of the CFW program.
“Dito po sa Cash-for-Work program para sa PWD napakalaking tulong po nito para sa aming may kapansanan dahil halos po ang iba sa amin ay walang trabaho. Ito pong handog ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos at ni Secretary Tulfo ay napakalaking tulong po nito lalong-lalo na po sa may kapansanan, at may sakit pong kasamahan ko ng PWD. Gusto ko din pong magpasalamat sa bumubuo ng DSWD sa laaht po ng staff, at sa nag organize po ng progamang ito. Napakabuti po nila sa amin. Di po nila pinaramdam sa amin na ibang tao kami. Tinulad din po nila kami sa isang normal na tao,” Galacio shared.
The Department hopes to create more transformative solutions that will help empower persons with disabilities to improve their capabilities and, eventually, help break the social barriers that hinder their full participation on an equal basis with others.
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