DAVAO CITY—The City Social Services and Development Office here is coming to the aid of an 88-year-old woman, Candida Ramas, and her 49-year-old daughter Rodora, who is suffering from polio and cerebral palsy.
The two were living alone in their shanty beside the house of Candida’s grandson, Benjamine Montallana.
Candida supports their daily necessities through her monthly pension worth P2,200 coming from the Social Security System. Oftentimes, they lack food for themselves, CSSDO officials said.
Candida and Rodora’s situation was discovered after a netizen posted a video of them on Facebook after the burial of Candida’s son in law. The two were seen having a conversation, with Rodora cheerfully singing to her mother.
A day after the video was posted online, the CSSDO located the women to assist them.
Social Worker Maria Josephine Torres said they need to check the condition of the women “to provide them with what they really need.” Candida and Rodora are scheduled to have their checkup on Friday.
“They were supposed to have their checkup immediately; however, the mother requested that we just schedule it on Friday, since she was still overwhelmed with the sudden help they are receiving,” Torres said.
She said social workers need to check if Rodora’s condition can be improved through therapy sessions to help her mobility.
“As what we can see, there is no need for us to put them in a center, since it will separate them. The grandson, Benjamine, promised to look after them,” Torres said.
Montallana said he is willing to look after his grandmother and aunt. However, he worries about their condition when he isn’t around, since he and his wife leave their house early in the morning to work.
The CSSDO, though, committed to look after Candida and Rodora to provide their needs regularly.