300 PWD in the city became beneficiaries of the cash-for-work program

By Rowena Cruz City residents who are persons with disabilities. (Screengra from Lucena City PIO video) LUCENA CITY - Around three hund...

By Rowena Cruz

City residents who are persons with disabilities. (Screengra from Lucena City PIO video)

LUCENA CITY - Around three hundred and eight (308) city residents who are persons with disabilities, or PWDs, have benefited from the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Cash for Work Program and have recently received their payout.

The program aims to provide temporary employment opportunities to vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Beneficiaries were able to earn an income and support their families through this initiative during these difficult times.



To make this event possible and successful, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), under the direction of Mayshell Raada and PWD Focal Person Mel Taberara, along with other CSWDO staff, collaborated with the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO), under the direction of Rosemarie Mangubat.

In exchange for a few days' work in their respective barangays, each PWD received P4,350. The event not only provided financial assistance to the PWDs, but it also empowered them by allowing them to contribute to their communities and demonstrate their skills and abilities. It also promoted inclusivity and raised awareness about the importance of supporting people with disabilities in society.

According to Mangubat, this program is important since it offers PWDs equal opportunities and additional assistance with their daily needs, which can be difficult for them to manage on their own. Furthermore, it helps to break down the stigma surrounding disabilities and encourages others to see PWDs as valuable members of society who can contribute meaningfully.

She explained that the Cash for Work program is part of the larger Kapit Bisig Against Poverty: Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, Empowerment, and Development in the Barangay initiative. "We are also collaborating with other government agencies to develop a more comprehensive approach to poverty alleviation," she added.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries are very grateful that they were included in this kind of program by the DSWD as well as the local government because their sector is still not neglected and is often overlooked in terms of receiving assistance. Collaboration with other government agencies will help ensure that poverty alleviation efforts are more effective and sustainable in the long run.