Altruists, DSWD aid homeless Albay man amid COVID-19 threat

Concerned citizens and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided a homeless person in Oas, Albay with aid amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A relative identified the homeless person as Jose Rosalada, who had resorted to cleaning surroundings in exchange for food and a little cash amid the COVID-19 threat.

Facebook user John Edgar Lo Flordeliza, who had sought help for Rosalada last week, said that among those who had provided Rosalada with assistance, aside from the DSWD, were: a group of US-based young Filipinos under the Kabataan Project, Melinda Reodique, Franchine Marie Recierdo, Yetyet Samson, Mie Ho Dela Torre, Karen Bausing, Maricar Resayaga, Russ Rosco Pillas, Amy Sarion, Kim Kallos, Wendell Tanchingco, Hannah Lacaste, Bee Amar Esteves, Barangay Council of San Ramon, and Aiko Pollisco.

“We have sent P10,000 today, so far, to help with buying the materials for his house and expenses for getting check-up po,” Patrick Serrano of Kabataan Project, a group which aids Filipinos in dire straits amid the COVID-19 threat, told GMA News Online.

“We were moved by the struggle of our fellow Filpino. As young Filipinos whom Dr. Jose Rizal identified as the hope of our nation, we want to fulfill that duty to the best of our abilities,” Serrano added.

Likewise, Rosalada received P5,000 worth of social amelioration benefits from the DSWD. This was confirmed by DSWD Oas, Albay Municipal Officer Kazel Abache.

“We would like to inform you po that Mr. Jose Rosalada received his P5,000 social amelioration benefit. He was being cared for by his brother, Santiago, and sister, Encarnacion,” Abache told GMA News Online.

Abache conceded that Rosalada was initially not included among the social amelioration aid beneficiaries, but was ultimately included after a group of concerned citizens appealed for help in behalf of the homeless Rosalada.

Rosalada’s niece in Calauan, Laguna thanked those who helped her uncle.

“Marami pong salamat. Madami na pong tumulong sa Tiyuhin ko,” Ma. Fe said. “Mapapagawan na po siya ng munting bahay. Salamat po ulit.” — DVM, GMA News