In a series of aid distribution activities on March 18, DSWD Field Office 8 provided cash aid amounting to Php 8.6 Million given to 2,816 beneficiaries in Leyte.

In two different locations, a total of 1,953 public transportation drivers each received financial assistance amounting to Php 3,000 through the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of DSWD. In the Municipality of Tanauan, Leyte, around 953 pedicab, tricycle, and habal-habal drivers received the cash assistance.Meanwhile, in Tacloban City, DSWD was able to provide aid to 1,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ), motorcab-for-hire (MCH), tricycle, and pedicab drivers.

The agency also provided similar assistance to 650 beneficiaries who are recipients of Yolanda housing projects identified by the National Housing Authority (NHA). The payout activity was held at the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome). In addition, 268 intended beneficiaries who are indigent patients admitted at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) also received Php 3,000 medical assistance from DSWD. The identified inpatients who received the aid have been admitted at the hospital for one week to one month already.

Present during the series of activities were Senator Bong Go, DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, DSWD Assistant Secretary Victor Neri, and DSWD FO8 Protective Services Division Chief Alice Viason.

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