THE Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) is conducting assessment with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) for the possible aftercare programs that can be provided for workers who were left jobless after Lapanday Foods Corporation box packing plant was burned by members of the New People's Army (NPA) last April 29.
CSSDO head Maria Lusia Bermudo, in a media interview Monday, May 8, said DSWD started its assessment last week while Dole has started its assessment this week.
"The DSWD partnered with us, and the Dole is also conducting ongoing assessment for the aftercare program which they can provide for those who lost their jobs," she said.
Bermudo said initially, the City Government through the CSSDO gave food assistance to almost 200 families a day after the incident.
She added their office also provided tents as temporary shelters for three families who were affected by the fire.
The CSSDO head said financial assistance for the victims is being scheduled.
Meanwhile, she said the assistance for the funeral services of Larry Buenafe, the only civilian victim who died four days after the attack is also being shouldered by the city.
Buenafe was hit by a land mine in Barangay Tigatto after the members of the NPA left the explosive intended for the police reinforcements that pursued them after burning the plant in Mandug.
"We provided limited financial assistance for operational fees support for fare fees as they go to different agencies," she said.
Bermudo said they are eyeing scholarships for Buenafe's two children.
She said they continue to monitor and assess aftercare programs that the city can provide.
"This time dili pa nato maka-istorya ang wife kay naa paman sila sa grieving period. Nakahaya paman so we will be continuously monitoring sa family unsa tung mga suporta sa ilaha family (This time we still cannot talk with the wife because they are still in the grieving period. The wake is still ongoing, so we will be continuously monitoring the family if what kind of support they will need)," she added. (KVC)