Cong. Edgar Chatto supports the advocacies of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) committee led by Negros Occidental Cong. Lourdes Arroyo for the inclusion of the sector, including those living alone, in cash assistance programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during the budget deliberation of the agency on Wednesday.
Chatto laments that unlike Senior Citizens, PWDs have no direct aid from government. “They are vulnerable, to begin with, and have been greatly affected by the pandemic,” Chatto stated.
He cited the blind singers or entertainers, and masseurs, among others are making an honest living despite their limitations, but, have lost their income due to the crisis. In fact, restrictions in travel, transport and mobility are making their livelihood even
more difficult, he added.
In the first congressional district, Chatto made arrangements with the DSWD for the provision of food packs to the PWD sector and those living alone.
He coordinated with the LGUs through the mayors and municipal social welfare officers in the identification of beneficiaries from each municipality.
On Monday, Chatto led the distribution of food packs to PWDS and constituents living alone in Antequera. He was joined by Mayor Lilioso Nunag and Vice Mayor Jose Mario Pahang with ABC President Jose Barrera.
Cong. Chatto facilitated the support for the vulnerable sector in partnership with DSWD with the new Bohol team leader Jimmy Crusio.
Board members Aldner Damalerio and Ricky Masamayor also graced the turnover activity and both represented the Provincial Government led by Gov. Art Yap and Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos, respectively.
At the onset of community quarantine imposition, Chatto also facilitated financial support for the members of the Bohol Persons with Disability Workers Association (BPDWA) at their Resettlement Center in Tangnan, Panglao. Members of BPDWA are mostly working in their massage clinics and some at the airport and seaport as entertainers.
