NextGen Day

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has reaffirmed the commitment to the media welfare project, a program aimed at providing immediate support to journalists and their families during challenging times.

Through the program, over 1,000 members of the media and their families in crisis situations have received assistance from the DSWD during the first year of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration. The aid includes hospitalization, medicine, and various forms of support.

Gatchalian emphasized the importance of journalists’ role in providing truthful and timely information to the public. He acknowledged their invaluable contributions to nation-building, often risking their lives in the process. He expressed the government’s dedication to standing by them during times of crisis, particularly when they require hospitalization.

Undersecretary for Innovations Edu Punay, who heads the media welfare project, reported that from July 2022 to June 2023, the DSWD extended assistance to 1,025 journalists, media workers, and their families, as well as non-media referrals.

For the children of deceased journalists and media practitioners, educational support has been provided to ensure their continued schooling despite the loss of household income.

In line with Gatchalian’s directive, the DSWD recently granted PHP50,000 to the family of radio broadcaster Cresenciano “Cris” Bundoquin, who was tragically killed by gunmen in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. The DSWD is also assisting the family of Rene Joshua Abiad, a photojournalist wounded in an attack in Quezon City. Tragically, Abiad’s 4-year-old nephew succumbed to a bullet wound sustained during the incident.

Punay, a former journalist himself, highlighted that this project is a brainchild of President Bongbong Marcos, as he recognized the challenges faced by the media and press, including financial difficulties when it comes to medical expenses. The program aims to demonstrate that the government cares about the health and welfare of journalists.

The DSWD has forged memoranda of agreement with major media organizations, including the National Press Club (NPC), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), among others. The total value of the assistance provided by the DSWD amounts to PHP26.3 million, encompassing various forms of aid such as guarantee letters for hospital bills, medical expenses, and burial assistance.

In addition to the assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, some journalists have been referred to the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to support the establishment of micro and medium enterprises.

Punay assured that the DSWD, in collaboration with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, will prioritize medical assistance, including hospitalization expenses, for Abiad and other victims.

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