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LOOK: Nasugbu getaway for Manila’s homeless during Pope Francis visit


During Pope Francis' five-day visit to the Philippines, some 500 beneficiaries of the government's conditional cash transfer program spent six days and five nights at a resort in Nasugbu, Batangas.
 
Street dwellers from Manila, Parañaque and Pasay Cities selected by the Department of Social Welfare and Development vacationed at the 18-hectare Chateau Royale Resort, GMA News' Rida Reyes reported on "24 Oras."
 
The street dwellers stayed there from Jan. 14, the eve of the pope's arrival, until noontime of Jan. 19, a few hours after the pope left for Rome.
 
"They booked, we treated them as regular guests. They availed of the amenities," said Niche Torres, the resort's manager.
 
According to Torres, the group included 500 children and infants, their parents, and 100 staff of the DSWD's Pantawid Pamilya program.
 
Some 70 log cabins were reserved by the DSWD. Each cabin measures 45 square meters and can accommodate eight occupants.
 
Cabin amenities include beds, television sets, clean restrooms, and supplies. Other amenities in the resort included three pools, a playground, a recreation area, ballroom hall, dining hall, greenhouse and aviary.
 
During their five-day stay, the beneficiaries feasted on roast beef, roast chicken, and spaghetti.

 
A DSWD program schedule indicated the beneficiaries also underwent daily seminars and counseling.
 
"Wala naman naabala sa amin dahil may maayos na programa sila," Torres said.
 
But the resort declined to say how much the DSWD paid for the six-day stay.

Its rates for a regular room, however, may go for up to P6,300 a night.
 
On the other hand, Torres said since the DSWD booked early, they availed of a discounted rate of lower than P4,000. —Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News
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