Netizen appeals for help for homeless man in Albay allegedly unqualified for DSWD aid

Concerned citizens have appealed for government aid for a homeless man in Oas, Albay who was allegedly disqualified from securing cash assistance under the social amelioration benefit amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.

In a Facebook post, John Edgar Lo Flordeliza said a disabled and homeless man near their residence are in dire straits amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and that he has resorted to cleaning surroundings in exchange for food and a little amount of cash.

“It broke my heart knowing that he was not included in the social amelioration aid which was supposed to be given to those with low income or no income at all, including the homeless. He was not also part of the relief operations of our barangay,” Flordeliza said.

“We must consider making adjustments for them. Those who can and are able to help, please help him. MSWD of Oas, Albay please give him some attention,” Flordeliza added, referring to the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office of Albay.

GMA News Online is still trying to independently verify if the man had indeed been deemed unqualified for amelioration.

The social amelioration aid is a cash grant worth P5,000 to P8,000 per region, depending on the region's minimum wage rate, for each of the 18 million low-income families affected by the work stoppage as a result of the quarantine measures imposed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ma. Fe Rosalada, in a message to GMA News Online, identified the homeless man as her uncle, Jose Verano Rosalada.

“Kamag-anak niya po ako, pero nasa Albay po kasi yung tiyo ko na ‘yan. May sakit po siya sa pag-iisip kaya ganyan kung saan-saan na lang po siya nakikikain,” Ma. Fe, who lives in Calauan, Laguna, told GMA News Online.

“Hindi ko rin po alam kung may mga tulong na syang natanggap galing sa local government unit kasi nga po malayo po kami sa kanya, pero may mga kapatid po siya doon. Thanks po sa concern at sana po matulungan niyo ‘yung tiyo ko na maabutan ng tulong,” she added.

The Philippines has recorded 8,772 COVID-19 cases thus far. Of this number, 1,084 have recovered while 579 have died.

Luzon has been under enhanced community quarantine since March 16 to prevent COVID-10 transmission.

The said quarantine meant ban on mass transport and prohibition of mass gathering— resulting in work stoppage in many industries. -MDM, GMA News