Gov’t grants off-site release of P9.114 M to 4Ps beneficiaries of Saint Bernard

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 21, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  About 745 beneficiaries of the National Government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) received their cash grants amounting to P9.114 million right there in their hometown at Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Team of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) responded at once to the request of Mayor Rico Rentuza of Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte for an off-site release of condition cash grant, after his municipality declared a State of Calamity.

The team, headed by the Regional Director of DSWD Field Office VIII, Leticia Corillo, together with the head of the partner agency, Vice-President of the Land bank of the Philippines (LBP), Alex Lorayes, successfully released P9.114 million to the beneficiaries last January 15, 2011 at the Saint Bernard Municipal Gymnasium.

The original schedule for the release of the Conditional Cash Grants for an over-the counter pay-out was last January 11 at the Landbank of the Philippines Sogod, Southern Leyte Branch.

However, the municipality has declared a State of Calamity last January 5, 2011 by the Sangguniang Bayan upon the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) because of landslides and flashfloods which affected thousands of families including nine Pantawid Pamilya barangays namely, Bolod-Bolod, Cabagawan, Catmon, Himbangan, Himdag-an, Lipanto, Mahayahay, Panian and San Isidro.

The MDRRMC has ordered full evacuation of some barangays due to recurring heavy rains and minor landslides.  All individuals currently in the evacuation centers were advised to stay there until further notice.