DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on concerned national agencies to ensure the due implementation of government projects and to expedited the delivery of benefits to the Filipino people.

He made the call as he assured the beneficiaries of uniformed personnel, especially  those who died while on  duty, of the continued government  effort to provide the necessary  support for the police and the military  for them to duly carry out their mandates.

“Kasama sa pagsisikap na ito ay ang tiyakin ang kapakanan ng inyong mga pamilya, sa pamamagitan ng mga programang tulad ng CSBP (Comprehensive Social Benefits Program),” he said in his speech during the “PBBM: Pagpupugay sa mga Bayani ng Bansang Makabayan” held on September 29,at Dusit Hotel, Davao City.

He empathized with the families of fallen soldiers and police, sharing the grief and sorrow during the day dedicated to honoring the Filipino Makabayan heroes. The ceremony was intended to celebrate and take pride in their dedicated service to the country 

“Ang kanilang halimbawa ay patunay sa likas na galing, tapang at dangal ng mga Pilipino at sa ‘di matatawarang pagmamahal natin sa ating bansa,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude to the  Filipino soldiers and police who dedicated their lives not only to themselves but to the Filipino nation. .  The President recognized not just their sacrifices but also their significant contribution in weaving the Philippine history and in raising a collective Filipino consciousness.

Having cited the enormous contribution of the Filipino police and soldiers, the President justified the provision of medical, financial, educational, housing, work and other social welfare assistance through the CSBP.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) principally organized the “PBBM: Pagpupugay sa mga Bayani ng Bansang Makabayan” to recognize the dedication of the military, the police, and those in line of service.

During the occasion, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr.  explained that Executive Order No. 110 s. of 2020, issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte, has institutionalized the CSBP, aimed at providing immediate and long-term assistance to uniformed personnel from the police and military who suffered injuries or died from July 2016 onwards.The CSBP also covers the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), active auxiliary,  the Bureau of Jail Management and  Penology (BJMP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) “who became casualties while performing their duties, he said.

Additionally, the CSBP shelter assistance provided housing aid to 433 AFP and 119 PNP personnel, amounting to a total grant of P252 million for house and lot acquisition.

Aside from shelter assistance, Abalos mentioned scholarship grants extended to  children of police personnel who lost their lives during operations. Other beneficiaries were also offered employment assistance through the CSBP. (JMDA/PIA Davao)