Navotas residents fill up 1,500 cash for work program slots ahead of deadline

The 1,500 slots for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) cash for work program in Navotas City were filled up ahead of the Friday deadline as families seek sources of income amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Tina Panganiban Perez’ report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, residents lined up outside the City Hall as early as Tuesday afternoon to apply for the program.

Navotas officials were shocked at the volume of applicants, considering that the program is launched annually.

“In the past, hindi naman nangyayari ‘yung ganiyan so this comes to show na talagang hirap ang buhay ng tao,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office said the applications will still undergo assessment.

COVID-19 swab testing will also be administered for free by the local government.

“Ang dami naming mangingisda. Meron din kaming mga certain slots na in-allot para sa kanila at meron din kaming mga slots na in-allot para doon sa mga jeepney drivers na alam naman natin ay talagang isa sa mga affected ng pandemic,” CSWD head Jennifer Serrano said.

“‘Yung kanilang nature of work would be patungkol sa mga activities in relation to climate change adaptation and management katulad ng urban gardening, katulad po ng paglilinis ng kanilang community, puwede rin kung i-a-allow pa rin ‘yung coastal cleanup,” she added.

The accepted applicants will receive P405 daily for 10 days of work. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News