May 12, 2020 – An employee of the Department of the Interior and Local Government – MIMAROPA Region returned the Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP) cash aid amounting to Php. 6,500.00 to the Office of the City Treasurer, City of Cabuyao, Laguna.

Henry Carlasan is employed at the DILG MIMAROPA, holding co-terminus position. He was appointed as Admin Aide IV on December 07, 2020, by DILG MIMAROPA RD Wilhelm Suyko, CESO IV. Prior to his appointment, he worked as a driver of the said government agency under Contract of Service for almost two years. On May 07, 2020, his wife informed him that they received the said amount from the DSWD. Upon learning on the matter, he immediately decided to return the cash aid for he knew that somebody out there must be needing it during this time of health crisis.

“Sa kasalukuyang krisis, marami pa ang mas higit na nangangailangan. Bagama’t ako’y napapabilang sa sektor ng mga mahihirap, naiintindihan ko na may mga kababayan tayong mas lubos na nangangailangan ng tulong sa panahong ito,” he said.

The ESP cash grant is part of the Social Amelioration Program of the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It is a cash grant amounting to Php. 5,000 – Php. 8,000.00 (depending on the regional wage rate) for low-income families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hon. Erlinda L. Alcasabas, Punong Barangay of Mamatid, Cabuyao City also expressed her gratitude for his kind act saying, “Natutuwa ako at merong nagbalik ng natanggap ng ayuda na taga DILG upang makatulong iba pang nangangailangan”.

Under the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of the Emergency Subsidy Program of the DSWD, elected and appointed government officials (i.e. permanent, contractual, casual, co-terminus) or personnel contracted (under Memorandum of Agreement, Cost of Service, Job Order, and other similar arrangement/s) in any National Government Agency (NGA), Government-owned and Controlled Corporation, Local Government Unit and GOCCs with original charter, are excluded from receiving the ESP.

“We commend the initiative of our employee in returning the cash grant to help other beneficiaries who are in need during these difficult times. It is a true reflection of a responsible and honest government employee”, said RD Suyko.

Mr. Carlasan also appreciated the continuing effort of the government to extend assistance to the affected citizens like him. 

“Sa mga katulad ko na karaniwang mamamayan, huwag po tayong mawalan ng pag-asa sa panahong ito dahil ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan ang lahat ng makakayanan para maibsan ang kasalukuyang hamon at maipaabot ang tulong sa mga nangangailangan”, he added.

By: Whalee Ferrera