During the two-day BPSF, DSWD FO CAR distributed over P76M worth of cash assistance to residents from different sectors in the province such as farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) business owners and workers, and students, among others. The financial aid were given in 4 different venues, namely: Benguet State University Gym, Cordillera Career Development College or CCDC Gym, Benguet Sports Complex Gym, and La Trinidad Gym.

Representing DSWD Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian DSWD Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations under the Operations Group Paul Ledesma, DSWD FO CAR Regional Director (RD) Maria C. Aplaten and DSWD FO CAR Assistant RD for Operations Enrique H. Gascon, Jr. spearheaded the distribution—together with the team from the DSWD FO CAR and Social Welfare and Development (SWAD)-Benguet Office, in close coordination with the Office of the House Speaker, Office of the Lone District Representative of Benguet and the Provincial Local Government of Benguet.

Meanwhile, five (5) Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs), namely, Gumatdang Community Livelihood Association, Palasaan PAMANA Association, BMCCD PAMANA Association, Napsong PAMANA Association, and Dalupirip Community Livelihood Association were each awarded a P300,000.00 cheque as part of the SLP’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or PAMANA (PAMANA) Program, which aims to support communities towards the improvement of isolated and hard to reach areas, contributing to peace and development.

During the two-day event, DSWD FO CAR catered to a total of 42,832 beneficiaries, including 8,346 individuals who were given Family Food Packs (FFP).

The DSWD FO CAR, as one of the lead agencies during the BPSF—which is the first in the region and is the 15th installment of the national service caravan—was among the 70 government agencies which converged to provide over 300 programs and services.

“We shall continue serving the remaining targets for our financial assistance through our Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) until we cover all 38,000 beneficiaries. We shall also be catering to our walk-in clients to ensure that our AICS will continuously help those who are in need,” RD Aplaten shared.

Beneficiaries of the financial assistance and other potential clients may visit the CIS at the Gestdan Centrum at the Bokawkan Rd., Baguio City from 8:00AM – 5:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays, except holidays. ###DSWD-CAR Social Marketing Unit – Christian Robert M. Sandoval, /Information Officer II