The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday started its simultaneous payout activities for Cash-for-Work (CFW) program for the oil spill-affected residents in the municipalities of Mansalay, Pola and Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro. Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez, DSWD spokesperson, said around 25,000 individuals from Oriental Mindoro who participated in the CFW program are expected to benefit from the payouts. Of the total CFW beneficiaries, 2,429 are from Mansalay, 3,889 from Pola and 2,334 beneficiaries from Bulalacao town. As of posting time, the consolidation of the final reports of the CFW beneficiaries from the DSWD field offices is still in progress. The participants of the CFW program were deployed to conduct various activities such as collecting locally available materials for making improvised oil spill boom and absorbent; establishing barangay or backyard gardens; mangrove rehabilitation; and conduct of community cleanup drives. In exchange for the work rendered, the program participants are provided by the DSWD with cash to meet their basic necessities such as food and water, among others. Each program participant will receive an amount equivalent to their daily regional minimum wage. Based on May 10 report of the DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau, the DSWD has already provided more than PHP313 million to residents of the Mimaropa Region, consisting of family food packs, other non-food items, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, Emergency Cash Assistance and Cash-for-Work program. Payout activities in the municipalities of Gloria, Roxas, Bangabong, Bansud, Pinamalayan, Naujan, Baco, San Teodoro, Socorro and Victoria and the City of Calapan are scheduled from May 15 to 19.

Source: Philippines News Agency