DSWD: Over 17,000 benefit from KALAHI-CIDSS cash-for-work program

The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program has provided P143.22 million in assistance to 17,243 individuals through its cash-for-work program and Project TheraFee as of Aug. 31, surpassing its 2026 target, the agency said.

“Hindi dito natatapos ang pamamahagi natin ng dagdag na kita para sa ating mga benepisyaryo dahil patuloy pa nating pinapalawig ang KALAHI-CIDSS lalo na sa mga geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas o GIDAs,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.

The KALAHI-CIDSS cash-for-work program benefits persons with disabilities, their caregivers or guardians, as well as students and graduates from higher education institutions.

The program provides cash assistance to persons with disabilities, their caregivers or guardians, and students and graduates of higher education institutions (HEIs).

Beneficiaries receive a cash grant equivalent to their designated regional daily minimum wage in exchange for 10 to 25 days of work.

Data from the KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Management Office showed that 7,389 persons with disabilities and 8,215 college students and graduates have benefited from the program.

Project TheraFee provided financial assistance to another 1,639 caregivers and guardians, recognizing unpaid caregiving for persons with disabilities as legitimate work. —LDF, GMA News