DAVAO CITY – The Office of Rep. Pulong Z. Duterte facilitated the release of cash assistance to marginalized and displaced workers affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic in Davao City.

The First Congressional District Office, with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), continued the caravan from last year for beneficiaries who still have to receive the assistance.

Danny Tabanao, 38, a gasoline attendant, said his family is having a hard time adjusting to the new normal since the pandemic. He added that his income significantly decreased which made it hard for him to provide for his family.

Redina Beronilla, 42, a bar and restaurant attendant, said that the bar and restaurant she was working at has temporarily ceased its operation. She added that there is no information yet as to when it will reopen.

“To be honest, pait gayud (it is really hard). I have three young children to raise. The bar & restaurant has been closed since last year, and because of that I took some side jobs – none of them are permanent, but I have to earn for my children,” Beronilla said in vernacular.

Many residents in Davao City are struggling to make ends meet under implementation of the community quarantine due to the COVID-19, thus, the government provides support to those in need.

Among the beneficiaries who received cash aid, following the ongoing caravan of the First Congressional District Office, are referees, coaches, terminal vendors, gasoline attendants, KTV workers, janitorial staff, and drivers, all residents from the first district.

Rep. Duterte thanked all the beneficiaries who attended the caravan. The young congressman’s office also coordinated with the concerned barangays to ensure widest reach of the caravan to its beneficiaries. Also, the office assured that the assistance will be distributed solely to identified beneficiaries.