Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 28) — Several residents from Bakun, Benguet who were listed as recipients of the national government’s cash aid program have voluntarily waived their slots for financial assistance.
Thirty-five residents from Barangay Gambang, including several elderlies, came forward to local authorities saying they do not qualify for the social amelioration program based on the criteria set by the Social Welfare Department despite their inclusion in the list of beneficiaries.
The Bakun Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the residents displayed honesty so that other qualified families will be accommodated and receive cash assistance.
“Such act of kindness shows that people of Bakun truly cares for others and they unite as one in this time of pandemic,” Bakun authorities said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the government’s Social Amelioration Program shall provide 18 million poor families a monthly allowance of between ₱5,000 to ₱8,000 for up to two months. Several families have also been excluded from the national list.
Over six million families have received financial assistance three weeks into the government’s implementation of the Social Amelioration Program.
