PRC cash assistance for the excluded
Ultimately, we will extend the assistance to the hardest-hit individuals
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Friday extended cash grants to Mandaluyong and San Juan residents left out of the government’s Social Amelioration
Program or any other direct transfers during the two-month long enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period.
Aside from the cash aid, beneficiaries also received two weeks’ worth of food packs.
The Multipurpose Cash Grant for COVID-19 ECQ-Affected Communities in Metro Manila program of the PRC initially gave P3,500 up to P6,500 to 200 families in Barangay Addition Hills in Mandaluyong and 300 more families in Barangay West Crame in San Juan.
The financial assistance was distributed at the Addition Hills Integrated School where the victims of a recent fire have been staying.
PRC Chairman and Senator Richard Gordon announced residents in Manila,
Quezon City, Marikina, Pasay, Las Piñas, Rizal, Bulacan and Olongapo severely affected by the ECQ are also target beneficiaries of the program.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed added to the existing struggles of many Filipinos and has made them more vulnerable. Being true to our mantra of being always first, always ready and always there for those who are in need and most helpless, PRC hopes to help them through the provision of these multi-purpose cash grants,” said Gordon.
The private humanitarian group is committed to help the most vulnerable and who have no source of income at this point of the pandemic like public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and marginalized vendors.
This cash assistance program will also accommodate “no work, no pay” employees and bed spacers and tenants who were screened out from the SAP.
“This is only preliminary. Ultimately, we will extend the assistance to the hardest-hit individuals,” said Gordon in a mix of Filipino.
Aside from the cash aid, beneficiaries also received two weeks’ worth of food packs.
Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora were also present at the assembly where physical distancing and other quarantine safety protocols were strictly followed.
Being true to our mantra of being always first, always ready and always there for those who are in need and most helpless.
To prevent crowding, the 50-beneficiaries-per-batch rule and step-by-step hygiene practices like hand washing and disinfecting were implemented.