The Taguig City government has launched a new project to help victims of sexual assault and physical abuse.
Aside from the victims of physical violence, the Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances (WEDC) assistance project will also help victims of illegal recruitment, human trafficking and related situations.
The project, according to Mayor Laarni Cayetano, offers various types of support, such as financial aid, food, clothing, shelter, medical assistance, pre-employment assistance and psychological assessments.
The WEDC was among the projects included in the new anti-poverty program dubbed Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors In-need Care and Support (Lani Cares Program) recently launched by the local government to mark the first year of administration of Mayor Cayetano.
The initiative aims to augment the existing programs of the national government, such as Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD). It offers appropriate, timely, and responsive social services to the residents of Taguig.
Lani Cares Program is specifically designed to provide comprehensive support to the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable sectors in the city. These include the provision of various interventions and other essential resources for individuals and families facing difficult situations.
Aside from financial assistance, individuals and families in need can access food and non-food assistance, such as family food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, kitchenware and other immediate necessities required for their well-being during calamities or disasters.
Psychosocial support will also be available in the form of psychological first aid and social work counseling. Clients seeking assistance beyond the scope of the program will be referred to partner agencies or national government offices under referral services.
Mayor Cayetano said the significance of implementing multiple poverty alleviation programs to ensure that every Taguig resident in dire need receives adequate support.
“We see the needs of our countrymen, even though we see progress in many aspects of our governance, there are still sectors in our society that are left behind who we also want to reach,” she said.
