Aid from Benhur to go beyond burial assistance

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu fourth district Representative Benhur Salimbangon and the Department of Social Welfare and Development will be entering into another memorandum of agreement regarding financial assistance, said to be “more comprehensive” than the previous one.

Salimbangon allocated P3 million sourced from his Priority Development Assistance Fund to be used as financial assistance to individuals in crisis situations for the constituents of the fourth district of Cebu.

The previous agreement with DSWD only provides for burial assistance but Salimbangon wanted to include medical assistance and other crisis situations.

The initial P3 million provided under the new agreement only represents the first tranch of the PDAF of Salimbangon, another P3 million will be downloaded to DSWD for a total of P6 million in financial assistance for the indigent constituents this year.

Salimbangon and DSWD Regional Director Evelyn Macapobre will sign the agreement at the DSWD regional office in Cebu City this morning.

The office of Salimbangon is mandated to provide augmentation support to the local government units and other entities in uplifting the lives of the disadvantaged population while DSWD is mandated to implement the Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services.

To avail of the assistance, one must be a holder of the “Benhur Health Card” for identification purposes; secure an endorsement letter from the office of Salimbangon; and present either a death certificate, medical matrix and/or medical prescription, and/or other documents that would indicate the existence of a crisis situation.

In case no amount of assistance is indicated in the letter of endorsement P2,000 shall be  given to the constituent in need. This cannot be increased without prior written approval by the office of the representative.

The DSWD shall evaluate the individual asking for help to determine whether or not she or he is qualified for the program and may further conduct interview and investigation as to the background and situation of the individual.

The DSWD shall furnish Salimbangon the names of the individuals who availed of the program, including the amount of assistance extended, on a quarterly basis for monitoring and recording purposes. (FREEMAN)