BORONGAN CITY-Some 17,547 individuals from the 61 barangays of this city who were affected by typhoon “Ruby” are expected to benefit from the cash-for-building livelihood assets (CBLA) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Initially, five barangays have started to implement the project. These are Barangays Sohotan, Bayubay, San Gabriel, Maybacong and San Pablo. CBLA is a strategy to help affected communities restore damaged physical and natural assets to rebuild their livelihoods. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that this initiative will help beneficiaries achieve a sense of normalcy in their daily lives as they have a source of income, while the government prepares to implement more sustainable recovery and rehabilitation projects for them. DSWD has allotted more than P68 million for CBLA implementation in the city. Under the project, beneficiaries are engaged in the repair of small infrastructure facilities, dredging of canals, and in the clean–up of rivers. They will be receiving P260 per day or a total of P3,900 for a maximum period of 15 days. On Monday, the city conducted the second community assembly to determine the next set of five barangays which will be recipients of the CBLA and the activities that will be undertaken. Eligible to participate in the program is any member of an affected family, a duly resident of the affected barangay, in good physical and mental condition, and at least 18 years old. Only one family member is allowed to be part of this income – generating venture. (PR)
