MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltered in Biyaya ng Pagbabago Transitory Shelter Site in Sagonsongan this city, have received 25 kilos of rice and P1,500 cash assistance from Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) in partnership with local government unit (LGU) of Marawi on Monday.
Rania Ongca, an IDP, shared her appreciation for the assistance given by TFBM and LGU Marawi in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa LGU Marawi at TFBM dahil sa nangyayari ngayon na krisis, hindi nila pinabayaan ang mga tao sa Marawi City. Ang ibinigay na ayuda ay napakalaking tulong po sa amin,” said Ongca.
[We thank LGU Marawi and TFBM because, amidst the crisis, they did not abandon the people of Marawi. The aid they provided is a big help for us.]
Ongca said the cash assistance will help her buy medicines for her mother who is a senior citizen and for their food consumption. She also encouraged her fellow IDPs to thank Allah for the aid provided to them.
“Magpasalamat tayo kay Allah, dahil may sa mga tao na doon niya pinadaan ang kaniyang tulong sa atin,” she added.
[We should thank Allah for bridging us to people whom He will provide help for us.]
For Juhary Pacasum, he thought that they will be forgotten by the government since the whole country is in crisis due to COVID-19. He expressed his gratitude for TFBM, LGU Marawi, and to President Rodrigo Duterte for all the interventions and efforts provided to them since the siege happened.
“Nagpapapasalamat kami dahil simula ng gulo sa Marawi, andiyan sila. Naramdaman namin ang tulong na galing sa kanila,” said Pacasum.
[We are thankful for them because they have been with us since the Marawi siege. We have felt their support for us.]
Continuous efforts of TFBM
TFBM Field Office Manager and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Asec. Felix Castro Jr. said that about P10 million was allocated for this aid which was downloaded to LGU Marawi.
Castro also emphasized that TFBM’s support will continue until the IDPs can rebuild and go back to their homes in the most affected area.
“Sa mga kapatid natin sa Marawi, ang TFBM ay tuluy-tuloy na tumutulong. Hindi ito huli. Hanggang hindi sila nakakabalik, bibigyan namin ng ayuda ang mga IDP,” said Castro.
[To the people of Marawi, TFBM will continue to provide support. This is not the last. This will continue until you will return, we will provide assistance.]
Prioritization of beneficiaries
Meanwhile, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra said that there are about 4,000 family-beneficiaries who are in transitory shelters in Marawi City including those in Matunggao and Saguiaran.
Gandamra explained that they prioritized those who are not qualified for the Social Amelioration Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) because they might have a small business or contractual jobs yet they are considered as vulnerable sectors.
Those beneficiaries of DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), were not given such aid since they are receiving cash assistance already.
“Ang tulong na ito para sa mga hindi nakatanggap ng SAP dahil hindi sila kasama sa validation. Dahil kung susundin ang qualifications under SAP , more than half of the households ang hindi makakaavail,” said Gandamra.
[This aid is intended for those who have not benefited from SAP because they were not included in the validation. If the qualification guidelines of SAP will be followed, more than half of the households will not avail.]
Meanwhile, Mariam Lucman, a 4Ps beneficiary, said that she feels thankful for the aid given to IDPs who really need it the most.
“Ok lang sa akin na hindi ako nakatanggap kasi may nahihintay naman ako kada 2 months. Iyong iba walang 4Ps, walang trabaho, sila iyong higit na nangangailangan,” said Lucman.
[It’s okay for me even if I have not received such aid since I have something to wait for every two months. Those who do not benefit from 4Ps, those who do not have jobs, they are the ones who are in need the most.]
Schedule of distribution of aid will be set for the displaced families from other transitory shelter sites in Barangays Boganga, Mipaga, Buadi Itowa (Bahay Pagasa 1), Pagalamatan, Rorogagus, Bubung Pagalamatan, Raya Guimba, Cabasaran, Pantapon in Marawi City; Bakwit Village 1 in Matungao, Lanao del Norte and and Bakwit Village 2 in Saguiran in Lanao del Sur. (LELA/PIA ICIC)
