NCMF Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan and recipients of the cash aid and grocery packs (Photo courtesy of NCMF)
DAVAO CITY -- The government, through the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), have started distributing financial aid and grocery items to Internally Displaced Persons in Marawi City.
Dr. Dimapuno Datu Ramos Jr., head of the NCMF's Bureau of External Relations based in Manila, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that 705 IDPs from Barangay Banggolo Poblacion became the initial recipients of the aid, consisting of PHP73,000 in cash and grocery box worth PHP1,400, on Saturday.
“NCMF Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan represented the NCMF while Secretary Eduardo del Rosario represented TBFM during Saturday's distribution at the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol in Marawi City,” Datu Ramos said. Undersecretary Budiongan came in behalf of the DSWD.
“This distribution came into fruition after the dialogue last March 18-19 between the IDPs and TFBM, which was brokered and witnessed by the NCMF and Secretary Pangarungan after numerous complaints regarding TFBM's 'broken promises and inaction',” Datu Ramos said.
He said the distribution of the financial assistance was agreed “while awaiting the passage of the PHP30 billion Marawi Reparation Bill, which was filed by Secretary Pangarungan (when he was still) in Congress,” he added.
Datu Ramos said on Sunday (April 7), it would be the turn of 623 IDPs from Barangay Bubong a Lilod Madaya to be served.
“Succeeding schedules for the remaining barangays will be announced by the DSWD,” he added.
Datu Ramos said those from the 24 most affected areas (MAAs) were being prioritized.
However, he said that “every eligible IDP will be given the financial aid according to our good secretary.”
“Those who were most severely affected in ground zero were prioritized. The others will follow. What is important is for the beneficiaries to register via biometrics in order for the DSWD, WFP and the respective LGUs to be able to validate the claims. The 73,000 cash that was given to them is meant for livelihood and sustenance assistance. It is up to the IDPs how they will use the money. The role of the NCMF is to facilitate the distribution from TFBM/DSWD while waiting for progress on the Reparation Bill filed,” he added. (PNA)
