Cordillera Administrative Region- The National Government through Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda has extended sympathy and support to the families of the victims of the vehicular mishap in Buguias, Benguet which left thirteen (13) individuals lifeless on 9 September 2014.

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has expressed his condolence through a letter delivered by Secretary Roxas during the distribution of cash assistance to the families on 22 September 2014 at the DSWD Training Center.

The families of the thirteen (13) casualties involved in the said accident were able to receive Php 108,000.00 worth of cheque for each victim. This is aside from a total of Php 340,000.00 worth of burial and medical assistance provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development- Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR).

Out of the eleven (11) families who have received the assistance, seven (7) are under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Frederick Mayao, father of Jera Flair who is among the victims and a Pantawid beneficiary, said that the Family Development Sessions (FDS) that they have attended helped them cope with the unfaithful event. “Nasabi sa FDS namin na mayroong langit, kaya panatag na din kami na nasa langit ang nawalang anak namin. Dahil doon, mas kinakaya namin na tanggapin yung nangyari.”, Frederick shared.

In the letter, President Aquino assured the victims that the Government, through the National Government Agencies and the local government units will support the victims and will ensure that measures to prevent other accidents will be conducted. “Makakaasa rin po kayo: Hindi kayo pababayaan ng ating pamahalaan. Nariyan ang iba’t ibang ahensiya at opisina upang magbigay ng suporta, pati na rin ang inyong LGU…. Ang atin pong layunin: makapaglatag ng mga hakbang upang masigurong hindi na mauulit ang ganitong insidente.”

Still in the letter, President Aquino also lauded all those who have helped during the accident. “Kaya naman taos-pusong pasasalamat ang gusto kong ipaabot sa komunidad, samahan, kompanya, at mga pribadong indibidwal na hindi nag-dalawang isip na tumulong sa kani-kanilang paraan. Pinatunayan ninyo: talagang bukas ang palad ng Pilipino kapag may nakitang nangangailangan.”

On the other hand, DSWD-CAR Assistant Regional Director for Operations Edna S. Benitez said that aside from the financial assistance, the Department can provide further assistance, particularly of psycho-social interventions such as stress de-briefing and psychological services for those who have been affected by the accident.  # DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, NFGV