A facebook netizen said ‘Sana All’ while another suggested transforming residents for the better in the town of Dupax del Norte when the local government unit posted their distribution of assistance to various beneficiaries in their Facebook page.
The yearly distribution of financial assistance to various sectors of the town has earned itself the tag as ‘Bayan ng Ayuda’ (town of assistance) being envied by outsiders.
But the move to roll out the financial assistance from the LGU that covered various community organizations in the municipality was not a ‘walk in the park’ among local officials.
“The support and assistance of our Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members are needed. We encourage our sectors to organize themselves for the better. In this way, our actions to help our constituents will have a legal basis,” said Mayor Timothy Joseph Cayton.
He said sectoral organizations in their municipality have received financial assistance through the support of municipal ordinances adopting the national government’s regular programs and/ or localizing other national laws to expand its coverage and introducing new legislative measures in their town.
Some of the sectors who were covered by the LGU’s loop of yearly financial assistance were the senior citizens not receiving social pension from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), cash gift for octogenarians, nonagenarians and centenarians, social safety net ordinance for elderlies, annual financial assistance and assistive devices to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), children with special needs, solo parents, ‘Kasambahays’ (House maids) Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, barangay treasurers, secretaries, college students, organizations and cooperatives, purok officials, lupons (barangay justice system members) and tanods (village guards).
Others were local rice farmers, COVID-19 victims, Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiaries, local Tulong Pangkabuhayan para sa mga Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer sector, day care workers and public elementary and secondary schools, among others.
Cayton, along with the strong support of the SB in Dupax del Norte town, draw appreciation and recognition from other municipal and provincial officials because of their unity in pouring assistance to their villagers.
Last week, the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ALSWDOPI) praised Cayton, acknowledging the visibility of his strong political will in promoting the social welfare and development of their constituents.
The ALSWDOPI also recognized Cayton for his innovative programs and services of his administration in uplifting the general well-being of the marginalized and vulnerable sectors of their locality which are highly commendable.
Cayton received the Outstanding Local Chief Executive of the Philippines 1st to 3rd Class Municipality Category for Luzon Island during the 26th National Social Welfare and Development Forum and General Assembly of the ALSWDOPI at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City with the theme: Relevant and Responsive Social Welfare and Development Practices Amidst Political Conflicts and Movements for Social Change.”
He was accompanied by the SB members and key workers of Dupax del Norte LGU whom he regarded as partners who labored to make their vision into a reality.
“We have proven the saying that 'In Unity there is Strength' . This unity among local officials of Dupax del Norte paved the way for the delivery of various assistance that our constituents need. It has somehow lightened up their burden especially in their times of need – that our LGU is there to help them. Walang maiiwang sektor sa ating bayan,” Cayton said. (OTB/BME/PIA NVizcaya)
