DSWD Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries recieved WFP cash assistance

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is in a continuous mission to improve the quality of life of the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged Filipinos. Throughout the years, various private institutions, and international organizations have given their invaluable support to DSWD in the pursuit of this mission. One of the department's constant advocates is the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

                                     

WFP is the UN branch known as the largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security in the world. It is currently  working hand and hand with DSWD in giving cash assistance amounting P2,600 to each of the 6,700 families in Eastern Samar, whose lives were devastated by Typhoon Ruby. This amount is on top of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) that they will be getting from the government.

To formalize their partnership in this noble undertaking, a Memorandum Of Understanding was signed today by both parties headed by the WFP Country Director Martin Bettelley and DSWD Pantawid Pamilya Deputy Manager Venus Rebuldela , together with DSWD Region 8 Director Nestor Ramos and Dolores Mayor Emiliana Villacarillo. The MoU signing took place at the DENR, Dolores, Eastern Samar and was witnessed by Eastern Samar honorable mayors, Pantawid beneficiaries, and mass media members.

"The government, together with international organizations, are always here to assist you. But always remember that we're only here to help and it's up to you how you would stand, empower yourself, and survive especially in times of calamity," RD Ramos said.

"I am impressed by the Filipinos, especially with their resilience and attitude towards disasters and we at WFP, are more than willing to help people who always have the will to help themselves," WFP Country Director Bettelley said.

The beneficiaries of the said grants are very grateful  to DSWD and WFP, especially since the latter was among the first responders when Typhoon Ruby hit Eastern Samar municipalities last December 2014. WFP brought in badly needed kilos of rice and nutritious food to the affected residents promptly, providing quick assistance to the hapless victims of the destructive typhoon.

"Nagpapasalamat po talaga kami ng lubos sa gobyerno at sa WFP sa pagbibigay ng tulong sa amin, at pangako po naming gagamitin namin ito para sa mga pangangailangan ng pamilya, lalo na sa mga bata, sa pagkain at pag-aaral nila,"  said Nanay Ana, a Pantawid Pamilya and cash assistance beneficiary.

It is good to know that victims of calamities can and will survive, if the government, organizations like WFP, and concerned citizens are all helping each other to provide cash assistance for the victims. But it is also comforting that more than the financial assistance, there are organizations and individuals committed to giving victims of disasters and calamities a second chance to going back to their normal lives.

See more photos about the ceremony and the situation at Dolores Eastern Samar on my blog Facebook page HERE. Thank you :)