A BIDING by its mantra to be “Always first, always ready and always there, where help is needed,” the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided cash assistance to thousands of families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic across the country.
According to the PRC, a total of P81.074 million in cash were released to 45 municipalities and 21,791 barangays, providing aid to 23,164 families from the National Capital Region, Olongapo, Bulacan, Rizal, Western Samar, Leyte and Cebu. The PRC said each family receive P3,500 in cash.
The PRC said the move was in time after the declaration of a nationwide lockdown caused many people to lose their jobs, especially those relying on daily wage.
The PRC said the cash distribution is in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), American Red Cross and Netherlands Red Cross.
“Ang cash assistance na ibinabahagi ng Red Cross ay hindi bigay, dahil ayaw ko sa salitang bigay,” PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon said. [This cash assistance is being “shared” by Red Cross; not being given as I don’t want to use the word “give.”]
Gordon said that the cash assistance aims to bring dignity to the families and to help them stand on their own.
“Maliit lamang na halaga, ngunit malaking tulong ito sa mga taong nawalan ng trabaho ngayong pandemya [It’s a small amount but a big help for those who lost their jobs in this pandemic],”Gordon said emphasizing that the PRC continues to aid the most vulnerable during the crises.