Pampanga, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Provincial Government of Pampanga joined forces to provide support to 1,755 individuals across four municipalities in the province on August 28.
Under the Projects LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished), recipients from Sasmuan (185), Masantol (404), Candaba (513), and Arayat (653) received cash payments of ₱9,200 each, compensation for 15 days of community gardening work.
Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, who personally led the payout ceremonies at various venues, expressed his gratitude to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for the support provided by the national government to the province.
“Magpasalamat po tayo kay Pang. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. at DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian para sa suportang patuloy niyang ibinibigay sa ating probinsiya,” Gov. Delta said.
According to the official website of the DSWD, these projects aim to boost local food production and mitigate the effects of climate change and economic instability in rural areas.
Elvira Abejar, a beneficiary from Masantol, expressed her gratitude, saying the salary will greatly help in meeting the needs of her children and elderly family members.
“Pasalamat ke pung maragul a maragul keng binie na pu kekaming biyaya. Maragul ya pung saup kareng pamilya mi—ikami ngang beneficiaries a menikwa pung saup kaya. Dakal pung salamat,” she said.
In addition to the cash assistance, beneficiaries also received food packs from the provincial government, further alleviating the daily challenges faced by many families.