A TOTAL of P10.3 million was distributed to 23 uniformed personnel and their family dependents in the region through the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP) since 2016, data from the Department of Interior Local and Government (DILG) revealed.
The data showed that a maximum amount of P4.5 million was provided to ten Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel who were granted houses and lots amounting to P450,000 each.
Some ten AFP members and three police officers received P450,000 each for house construction, which totaled P5.8 million.
Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. revealed that a total of P777 million was distributed to uniformed personnel nationwide since its implementation.
The CSBP recognized the uniformed personnel Killed-in-Action, Wounded-in-Action, Killed-in-Police-Operation, Wounded-in-Police-Operation, personnel who had Total Permanent Physical Disability, and other members of AFP, PNP, Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit, Active Auxiliary Units, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard during legitimate operations.
Abalos Jr. said that 801 AFP and 218 PNP and 100 personnel from the BJMP, BFP, PCG who died during their duty received a total of 255 million pesos during the first tranche.
He added that 665 AFP and 190 PNP personnel who were killed during legitimate operations received a total of 213 million pesos on the second tranche. Some 443 AFP and 119 PNP beneficiaries received 450,000 pesos for each house and lot unit which totaled P252 million under the shelter assistance component of CSBP.
Still under the second tranche, Abalos said that 63 AFP and 60 PNP personnel beneficiaries received P450,000 each for housing construction, which amounted to P55 million. Meanwhile, two AFP beneficiaries received P100,000 each under cash assistance.
Abalos added that the program’s educational assistance sent 173 scholars, 96 of whom are children of uniformed personnel.
Meanwhile, a total of 402 AFP and 150 PNP beneficiaries are already employed through the DILG’s job assistance program.
During the ‘PBBM: Pagpupugay sa mga Bayani ng Bansang Makabayan’, at DusitD2 Davao on Sept. 29, the department secretary said that the new administration and the head of agencies involved in CSBP are committed to advancing the program’s objectives.
The continuity of the program is aimed at recognizing the uniformed personnel’s “heroism and gallantry in the service by sacrificing their life and limb for the country and its people.”
