KALIBO, AKLAN — Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores expressed gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for all the assistance it has extended to his province especially in addressing the needs of Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

“I am very thankful because the biggest assistance we received was from DSWD,” the governor stressed, citing that the Department has already released close to P60 million worth of relief assistance to typhoon-affected families in his province.

Miraflores delivered his message before local officials of the Municipality of Batan, officials of national government agencies and beneficiaries during the turnover of livelihood assistance to the locals who survived the “super typhoon.”

DSWD Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre personally released a total of P1,711,156 worth of cash assistance for livelihood projects in the towns of Batan, Madalag and New Washington. Batan received P890,000 worth of livelihood assistance for the 59 local fisherfolk for their fish cages and motorized banca and to Marilou Almanon for her Bibingka business.

In New Washington, 78 beneficiaries went home with a total amount of P636,156.00 for their pedicabs, motorboat, and livelihood assistance while 30 checks with a total amount of P185,000.000 were turned over to the local government of Madalag for the starting capital of typhoon survivors for their livelihood projects.

Recovery from destruction

According to Director Macapobre, the government does not stop from looking for ways to help the people recover from the destruction caused by Typhoon Yolanda.

“This is just part of the government’s efforts to help those affected by the typhoon to recover. We want it fast but we have to follow the process,” she said while appealing to the beneficiaries to put to good use the assistance they received. “Use it in buying your new banca, in your business to restore your livelihood. Make it grow for your family.”

The director also said there may be more livelihood assistance to be extended to the typhoon survivors in the future as the Department, together with the other national government agencies like TESDA, DOLE and DA are continuously looking for ways to help them.

“We cannot extend assistance to affected families simultaneously. There are bases, there are criteria. Some are given priority and those who were not able to receive now may be included in other services that will be provided in the future,” Director Macapobre explained./dswd6/Wenna B. Bendol