More than 100 Filipinos with disabilities received a month’s worth of food and hygiene kits from the Catholic Relief Services, a humanitarian agency of the US Catholic community, reports ABS CBN.
Persons with disabilities from the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc. (TWHI) in Cainta, Rizal received packages that include vegetables, fruits rice, eggs, dried fish, canned goods, condiments, hygiene kits, detergent bars, bleach, razors, and sanitary napkins.
“Since most of us are on a ‘no work, no pay’ basis, it has been hard to get the supplies we and our families need,” said Melo Bueza, a social worker from the TWHI.
Inside the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, persons with disabilities are provided with opportunities to work in metalcraft, woodcraft, sewing and packaging to earn money for themselves and their families.
But the have been struggling as demand for their products dwindled because of the lockdown.
“We are focusing our efforts on assisting the most vulnerable populations, who bear the brunt of the lockdown and are at the greatest risk from the spread of COVID-19. Beyond the dangers of the disease itself, the current situation makes it virtually impossible for many families in the communities we serve to meet their most basic needs,” said Matthew McGarry, CRS’ Sub-Regional Country Representative.
“These food baskets and hygiene kits are essential to ensure we get proper nutrition and stay healthy,” said Ramon Rey Emmanuel Apelado, TWHI’s administrative manager.
