It’s an early Christmas as DSWD Field Office VIII brings the 5K Presidential Financial Assistance (5KPFA) to the beneficiaries in Northern Samar and in Eastern Samar.

DSWD distributed a total of P 9,605,000 . 00 to 1,921 beneficiaries from 14 barangays in Lapinig, over a span of four days, from December 4 to 8. These include Lapinig Del Norte and Lapinig Del Sur on the first day, Imelda, Look, Cahagwayan and Potong Del Sur on the second, Alang-alang, Can Maria, Bagacay,May Igot, Palanas and Mabini, on the third, and Pio Del Pilar and Can Omanio on the fourth day.

At the same time, DSWD conducted a simultaneous distribution in Jipapad, Eastern Samar on December 6, whereby P3,865,000.00 was released to 773 beneficiaries coming from eight barangays.

DSWD also extended this financial aid to 986 beneficiaries from 5 barangays in Las Navas, Northern Samar from December 11-13. Amount involved was P4,930,000.00.

Project Development Officers from the Disaster Response and Management Unit (DReAMU) are working double-time to ensure that the Presidential assistance will be given as soon as possible. DSWD is fast tracking distribution in its effort
to finish before the year ends.

According to Nestor Rosco, a Barangay Kagawad from Bagacay, Lapinig this financial assistance came just in time for the Christmas season. He plans to buy rice and food for the holidays, and presents for the children, too. He will save the
rest of his money.

“Nagpapasalamat ak ha iyo nga kami iyo nabuligan… ha amon nga mga pobre.” (I am thankful because you helped us, the poor.)