The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has extended financial assistance to the most vulnerable families that are being affected by the general community quarantine (GCQ) in the cities of Mandaluyong and San Juan in Metro Manila.
Led by PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Dick Gordon, the multi-purpose cash aid were given to families that lost their homes after a huge fire broke in Barangay Addition Hills in Mandaluyong on June 1. The barangay also has the highest number of positive cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the city.
In San Juan, hundreds of families from Barangay West Crame, mostly those that lost their livelihood because of the GCQ, also received cash aid. West Crame is the largest barangay in San Juan city in terms of population.
“This is not a donation.”
“This is only part of the P70 million na ipamamahagi natin sa buong Pilipinas. Hindi ito abuloy. Ito ay pang-angat para mayroon kayong baon sa hinaharap at kahit na kapiraso ay makapagsimula kayo ng hanapbuhay. Nakikiisa kami sa dalamhati at babangon tayo,” Gordon told the beneficiaries.
The veteran legislator also gave the residents inspiring messages for them to not lose hope amid the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraged them to help one another in times of crises.
“Real freedom is having the capacity to help others.”
“Huwag kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa sa buhay sapagkat pagsubok lahat ng Panginoon iyan. Ang dapat gawin, iangat ang tao at iyan ang nais ng Red Cross: ang iangat ang pinakanahihirapan, at sila ay mabigyan ng dignidad at inspirasyon para makatindig muli at nang sila ay makatulong sa iba. Ang kalayaan ay hindi seremonya at hindi parada. Ang tunay na kalayaan ay ang pagkakaroon ng kapasidad na tumulong sa iyong kapwa,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
Mandaluyong and San Juan cities were the first two out of 18 cities and municipalities that will receive cash assistance from the PRC. This program aims to support the families that are being affected by the national state of calamity and the quarantine measures being enforced to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Also present during the distribution were Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita Abalos, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and local officials of the two cities.