Over 5K PWDs get aid from DSWD's KALAHI-CIDSS program

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended financial assistance to more than 5,600 persons with disabilities and family caregivers nationwide through its Cash-for-Work (CFW) Program and Therapy for Fee (TheraFee) Project.

Both initiatives are being implemented under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the number of beneficiaries reflects payouts conducted by the Department’s Field Offices (FOs) from March to May this year.

“ Ang mga persons with disabilities po ay binibigyan natin ng temporary employment at ang mga caregivers naman ay iko-compensate natin sa ginagawa nilang pag-aalaga sa miyembro ng pamilya na persons with disabilities,” Dumalo said in a news release.

Through the CFW modality, persons with disabilities may engage in community cleanup, environmental maintenance, gardening, and other administrative tasks.

Meanwhile, TheraFee aims to recognize and monetize the unpaid work of caregivers providing direct assistance to persons with permanent total disabilities within vulnerable families.

During the recent payouts held from May 19 to 21 in the municipalities of Salay, Lagonglong, and Villanueva in Misamis Oriental, a total of 470 beneficiaries each received P4,610 in exchange for 10 days of service.

“Ang mga benepisyaryo pong ito ay nag-render ng sampung araw na community cleanup and environmental maintenance in their assigned areas. Ang natanggap po nila na assistance ay base sa prevailing regional wage rates,” Dumlao said.

The official said the program uses an adaptive household mechanism wherein if a registered person with disability as a beneficiary is physically limited or medically unable to perform community work, a designated family member is allowed to work and receive the compensation on their behalf. —LDF, GMA News