PWDs receive P3T aid

CEBU, Philippines - Polio victim Delfin Piape, 44, returned home yesterday with at least P3,000. He gave the money to his wife for their sari-sari store.

Piape, who had been suffering from polio disorder for 44 years now, was one of the recipients of the financial assistance extended by the Cebu City government to Persons with Disabilities.

Yesterday, the city distributed P3,000 to each of the at least 9,000 registered PWDs in the city. The distribution was done in the respective barangay halls or sports complexes.

According to Piape, the cash gift is of big help considering that his salary as a casual government employee is not enough since he has two children who are both studying.

“Dili enough since casual ra man ko. Daghang mga utang utang baya gyud, pero okay na gyud siya,” he said.

The distribution of the financial aid is also timely for the Christmas celebration, said Piape.

“Labi na kay Disyembre na karon, gamit kaayo pangandam sa Noche Buena,” he added.

Mayor Michael Rama has earlier promised to give a total of P5,000 to each PWD this year. Last July, the PWDs received P2,000 each.

When asked if he wishes for an increase in the cash aid, Piape said it would be better if the city government will do so since there are jobless PWDs.

“Sa uban lang siguro nga wala’y trabaho kulang gyud to nila, aron sad katong wala’y trabaho malipay. Naa na silay pangpuno sa livelihood,” he said.

Nevertheless, Piape said he is thankful that the city government initiated this kind of assistance for them.

City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas said her office dispensed P28 million for the financial assistance distributed yesterday.

Those who failed to claim the cash aid yesterday can still get it at the City Treasurer’s Office not later than 15 days. — Mechelle P. Florita/NSA (FREEMAN)