MINERVA BC NEWMAN
CEBU Province—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7)-Regional Field Office VII released P3.5M for the payment of work and services rendered by 1,315 individuals/beneficiaries under its Cash-For-Work Program or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services KALAHI-CIDSS in the LGUs of Talisay City, Borbon and Tabogon in Cebu Province.
According to DSWD-7 regional information officer Leah Quintana that the cash-for-work program is one of KALAHI-CIDSS sub-projects that gives opportunity to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.
It is a temporary employment that bridges the gap from the loss of income by families and individuals affected by COVID-19. Paid laborers are required to work five (5) to (10) days in the rehabilitation of purok centers, cleaning of roads, and river desilting, Quintana said.
Quintana added that women beneficiaries were engaged in communal gardening or the ‘Gulayan sa Barangay’ to provide food security in the local supply chain. In exchange for work, beneficiaries received a minimum wage of Php 356.00 per day.
Ervin Brion of Barangay. Tagnucan, Borbon shared that he is one of those affected by the PUJ Modernization. He needed money to renew the requirements to be able to drive again, Cash-For-Work has given him the opportunity to work as a laborer, thus earning some income for his license renewal and for his family needs too.
This program keeps people away from migrating or abandoning their communities in search of a new source of income, Quintana added that Josem Contreras, a queer member of Barangay Manlagtang, Tabogon was excited to receive the money so he can continue with his beauty business.
“As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I was very grateful to the Cash-For-Work Program of KALAHI-CIDSS. My hard work for a few days of service helped me buy manicure and make-up supplies so I can continue my small business,” Josem happily shared.
DSWD-7 Regional Director Rebecca Geamala attended the payouts and told the beneficiaries how important positive thinking is. “Poverty should not be the reason to stop achieving your dreams,” she said.
Geamala also challenged the other LGUs in Central Visayas to participate in the various programs of DSWD to provide the needs of all sectoral groups, especially the marginalized.
