Cash-For-Work Program of DSWD 7 KALAHI-CIDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services continues to roll out in Talisay City, Borbon, and Tabogon, Cebu recently.

The cash-for-work program is one of KALAHI-CIDSS sub-projects that gives an opportunity to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic. It is a temporary employment that bridges the gap from the loss of income by families and individuals affected by COVID-19.

Paid laborers are required to work five (5) to (10) days in the rehabilitation of purok centers, cleaning of roads, and river desilting. Women beneficiaries were engaged in communal gardening or the ‘Gulayan sa Barangay’ to provide food security in the local supply chain. In exchange for work, beneficiaries received a minimum wage of Php 356.00 per day.

“Usa ko sa mga naapektuhan sa PUJ Modernization kay wala ko’y igong kwarta sa pag-renew sa mga kinahanglanon aron makabyahe pag-usab. Apan tunogd sa Cash-For-Work, nahatagan ko ug higayon nga maka-trabaho isip laborer (I am one of those affected by the PUJ Modernization because I do not have enough money to renew the requirements to be able to drive again. But Cash-For-Work has given me the opportunity to work as a laborer),” shared Ervin Brion of Brgy. Tagnucan, Borbon.

This program keeps people away from migrating or abandoning their communities in search of a new source of income. Josem Contreras, a queer member of Brgy. Manlagtang, Tabogon was excited to receive the money so he can continue with his beauty business.

 “Isip usa ka membro sa LGBTQ+ Community, dako akong pasalamat sa Cash-For-Work Program sa KALAHI-CIDSS. Ang akong hinagoan sa pila ka adlaw nga serbisyo, akong ipalit ug mga gamit pag-manicure ug make-up aron mapadayon nako akong gamay nga negosyo (As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am very grateful to the Cash-For-Work Program of KALAHI-CIDSS. My hard work for a few days of service will be able to help me buy manicure and make-up supplies so I can continue my small business),” Josem happily shared.

DSWD 7 Regional Director Rebecca P. Geamala attended the payouts and shared with the beneficiaries the importance of positive thinking. “Poverty should not be the reason to stop achieving your dreams,” in one of her statements in Tabogon.

She also challenged the LGUs to participate in the different programs of DSWD in providing the needs of all sectoral groups, especially the marginalized. The DSWD has released Php 3,500,000 for 1,315 beneficiaries in Talisay, Borbon, and Tabogon, Cebu. ###

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