By Chito Chavez Cause oriented group Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has provided P1.2 million of initial assistance for people with disabilities (PWD) and workers in the informal economy who have been financially burdened by the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), which has adversely affected their “livelihoods and food security.” “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,” Matthew McGarry, CRS’ sub-regional country representative, said. CRS Philippines has partnered with Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (TWHI) to provide 116 PWDs in a TWHI residential facility in Cainta, Rizal with food supplies worth one month and hygiene items. On April 8 and 15, CRS delivered fresh vegetables and fruit, rice, eggs, dried fish, canned goods, condiments, bath soaps, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, detergent bars, bleach, razors (for men), and sanitary napkins to TWHI. Melo Bueza, TWHI social worker, said people with disabilities are bear the brunt of the coronavirus outbreak. “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”. In TWHI, the PWDs are provided with opportunities to work in metal craft, woodcraft, sewing, and packaging to earn money for themselves and their families. Ramon Rey Emmanuel Apelado, TWHI’s administrative manager, said the organization has faced “difficulties in supporting all the people it serves.” “These food baskets and hygiene kits are essential to ensure we get proper nutrition and stay healthy,” Apelado said. CRS Philippines is also working with Caritas Pasig and the local government of Barangay Santo Rosario Kanluran in the municipality of Pateros to provide 150 informal workers with P5,000 cash grants. Beneficiaries include tricycle and jeepney drivers, sidewalk vendors, construction workers, and those who have lost their sources of income but are not included in the government’s Pantawid Pamilya cash assistance program. CRS and Caritas Pasig started releasing the cash grants on April 8, through local money transfer service Palawan Express. Pablito Velasquez, 47, a tricycle driver, is one of those who received CRS’ cash grant. “I used to earn P400 a day, but since the lockdown I have been relying on my siblings’ help to feed my three children. With CRS’ cash assistance, I will be able to buy rice and food supplies for the family,” Velazquez said. CRS Philippines said it plans to incorporate lessons learned for a safer, more secure, and timelier COVID-19 safety net assistance to an expanded COVID-19 relief and recovery program in the country.