627 IP families, laborers get cash aid in Kibawe
A total of 627 Indigenous Peoples (IP) families and laborers in Kibawe, Bukidnon received cash aid via the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program on February 16, 2021. Each of the families and laborers received Php 3,000 cash grant from the government.
The distribution was held at the Dome Building in Kibawe town spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 10.
Those also affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic received family food packs from DSWD and Puregold.
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go graced the distribution of the cash aid. Representatives from the regional office of the DSWD confirmed that the fund for the cash grant was released through the initiative of Sen. Go.
In addition to the aid, Go also provided vitamins, face shields, face masks, 25 bicycles, and 25 computer tablets for students.
Prior to the cash grant distribution, Go led the turn-over ceremony of a new fire truck from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to the Local Government Unit of Kibawe.
Kibawe Mayor Reynaldo Rabanes said he personally requested the presence of the senator, whom he considers his friend.
“Earlier, Sen. Go told me to identify poor families and laborers who were affected by the pandemic to receive the cash grant from his initiative today,” Mayor Rabanes said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) also turned over a total of Php 18.4 million worth of agri-assistance to the Kibawe local government. Among those turned over included Php17.8 million agri-equipment from DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), livelihood projects, assorted vegetable seeds, cash and fertilizer subsidy, and organic composting facility from DA banner programs.
Kristine Y. Evangelista, DA assistant secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Kibawe Mayor Reynaldo Ang Rabanes signed a Memorandum of Agreement with 4 cooperatives for DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program worth Php 600,000. Each of the 4 cooperatives will receive Php 150,000 grant. (with a report and photo from BukidnonOnline.com correspondent Mel B. Madera)
