The MSSD-BARMM, in collaboration with the Lamitan City Government, led by City Mayor, Hon. Roderick H. Furigay through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) under the direction of Ms. Perlita L. Tacorda, RSW, conducted a two-day program payout last January 9 and 10, 2024, at the City Gymnasium.
- Angat Bangsamoro Kabataan Tungo sa Karunungan (ABaKa) – 1,174 beneficiaries from elementary school to college
- Kalinga Para sa may Kapansanan/PWD – 436 beneficiaries
- Kupkop/Orphan Assistance – 190 beneficiaries
- Unlad Rice Subsidy – 249 beneficiaries
- Day Care Workers Beneficiaries (Early Childhood Care and Development) – 42 beneficiaries
Together, these groups account for 2,091 beneficiaries overall. They each received financial support from the MSSD-BARMM as seed capital for livelihood, subsidies, and assistance.
One of the beneficiaries is Ms. Merry Chris Gumilao, a person with a physical disability primarily congenital absence of both upper extremities, or to put it another way, total absence of both upper limbs. She is a 25-year-old first-year college student at Furigay College Incorporated (FCI) studying Social Work. She is a bonafide resident of Brgy Maligaya, Lamitan City, Basilan.
Out of four siblings, she is the second child. Her mother, a housekeeper who does laundry and cleaning for their neighbor, is the only one who provides for them, as a result of her father’s death in 2005, when she was still very young. She is grateful for being picked as one of the beneficiaries under Kalinga para sa May Kapansanan/PWD, for which she received a financial grant of 10,500 pesos.
According to her, they bought Chooks-to-Go as Thanksgiving with the 500 pesos, and she opted to give her mother the remaining half (5,000). She is extremely appreciative because this helped them to pay off their debts, cover the costs of his grandfather’s final vigil, roof his father’s tomb, and buy other necessities for themselves. The remaining amount is saved for unexpected future needs.
“Maraming,maraming,maraming salamat Hon. Mayor Oric H. Furigay, sobra sobrang laking tulong talaga saamin, sa mga mahihirap. Sana pagpalain po kayo ng maykapal. God bless po Mayor.” ( “Thank you so much, Hon. Mayor Oric H. Furigay. This will really help us, especially the poor. May God continue to bless you. Mayor, may God bless you.” ) she stated.
Her disability did not prevent her from going to school and leading a normal life. The assistance she got inspired her to strive hard in her studies and go for her goals. She has demonstrated courage and tenacity in the face of life’s harsh realities despite her disability, choosing to fight like a warrior in her own struggles. The dedication to improving the lives of the less fortunate in our society is demonstrated by this MSSD-BARMM effort, which was made possible with Hon. Roderick H. Furigay’s assistance. The initiative is not about cash help; it is about empowerment, hope, and a brighter future for our fellow citizens.