CENTRAL'S Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has granted a total of 25 million worth of assistance to families and individuals who have experienced a crisis through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in Cagayan de Oro.
The aid will be delivered through the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) of the department’s regional office 10, said House deputy speaker and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.
On Thursday, Rodriguez continues to attend all hearings for the 2022 budget in the House to ensure that more funds will be given to the city.
Rodriguez even requested the DSWD to download immediately the P25 Million budget for the AICS for the city's 2nd District.
He said that Assistant Secretary Glenda Relova then assured him that the central office will coordinate with DSWD-10 for the release of funds.
Rodriguez also interpellated the DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista during the budget hearing of the Committee on Appropriations.
Acknowledging the need for more facilities in DSWD-10, Rodriguez also requested Sec. Bautista to increase the capital outlay of the regional office in CDO for the construction of warehouse (P60M), additional admin building (P30M), Bahay Silungan (for street children of CDO) furnitures and fixtures (P3.7M), office vehicles (P15) with the total amount of P108.7 Million.
Bautista pledged to look into the request and program them for the 2022 budget.
Also, Rodriguez requested the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) headed by Chairman Allen Capuyan for an increased allocation for scholars/beneficiaries (elementary, high school and college scholarships) of the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and PAMANA programs for the IPs living in the 2nd District of CDO.
Rodriguez thanked Bautista and DSWD-10 Regional Director Mari-flor Dollaga-Libang for the immediate action on the release of budget for the different DSWD programs in CDO such as the 4Ps, social pension to senior citizens, supplementary feeding program, special ayuda, livelihood, food packs, cash assistance and hospital assistance for Cagayan de Oro residents.
Rodriguez also expressed his gratitude to Chairman Capuyan for the assurance to increase the scholarship funds of the EAP and PAMANA programs for the IP students of CDO. (PR)
