Aid for the needy

MAYOR BENG Climaco led social workers in the distribution of financial assistance to beneficiaries of the Local Special Amelioration Program of the City Government in an effort to aid those hardest affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in Zamboanga.

Mayor Beng Climaco with members of the LGBTQ+ who are beneficiaries of the Local Government Special Amelioration Program. (Bong Serondo)

Thousands of tricycle and jeepney drivers, including members of the LGBTQ+ were added to the growing list of beneficiaries of the pro-poor program. Each beneficiary received P1,500, according to Climaco.

She said a total of 1,450 LGBTQ+ members and 3841 trike drivers and 2,838 jeepney drivers benefitted from the program. The beneficiaries of the program praised Climaco for the cash aid. The distribution of financial assistance was held at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Integrated Bus Terminal and City Social Welfare and Development Office.

The mayor said those who received the assistance passed a rigid assessment by various government agencies and local government departments to ensure the integrity of the program and its target beneficiaries.

Previous financial assistance distributed by the mayor also benefited the different sectors in the community, including those with disabilities, senior citizens and laborers, among others.

In August, hundreds of Covid-19 survivors also received financial aid from Climaco, who vowed to help those hardest hit by the health crisis. The aid was also part of the same program and Covid-19 survivors who experienced mild to moderate symptoms received P3,000 and P5,000 for those who had severe symptoms.

The continued distribution of financial aid is being facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the City Treasurer's Office.

The mayor cited the need for local government funds to be returned to the people to help them improve their plight amid the pandemic. She assured that all those who were hardest hit by the health crisis will be given assistance. “El fondo del Govierno, of the Local Government should go back to help us,” she said, adding, “this is in line with our thrust on helping the most who suffered the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ayuda, comida y busca la vida en este tiempo de pandemia.” (Zamboanga Post)