TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed cash aid and carabaos to a total of 50 members of the Aeta community in Capas, Tarlac.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the turn-over of one farming carabao and P10,000 to each Pag-Abot program beneficiary in Barangay Maruglu.
The livelihood assistance is a follow-up activity of the agency’s Pag-Abot sa Pasko program in December 2023 where they assessed and identified the most appropriate interventions to reach-out individuals from the different sitios of the village based on their profile and needs.
“When we came here before, we heard your request for a carabao, so our department arranged to purchase a carabao for you. You can now use it,” Gatchalian stated.
The cabinet official added that this is part of the agency’s commitment to address the needs of vulnerable and marginalized communities, and to ensure that they receive sustainable livelihood from the government.
“We don’t want you to feel that you are far away. The President’s order is for national government agencies to be felt and seen even in the most remote areas of the Philippines,” he emphasized.
Gatchalian assured the immediate support and services of DSWD to the beneficiaries, especially to disadvantaged and indigenous peoples through the implementation of other programs.
Moreover, he recognized their partnership with the municipal government to carry out and further develop the program for the residents of Maruglu.
“I know, as [Capas] Mayor [Roseller Rodriguez] said, that the local government will help us sustain and maintain this program,” he said.
The Pag-Abot Program was launched in July 2023 to help people living and staying on the streets enhance their social and economic status through various government interventions. (CLJD/TJBM PIA Region-3,Tarlac)
