GOV’T AID. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (4th from left) leads the distribution of assistance under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program at the Dusit Thani Residence in Davao City on Friday (Sept. 29, 2023). The President is assisted by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte (2nd and 3rd from left) in releasing aid for wounded military and police personnel and the beneficiaries of those killed in action. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday directed concerned government agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP) for the police and the military.

Marcos gave the order during the “PBBM: Pagpupugay Para sa Mga Bayani ng Bansang Makabayan” thanksgiving event with CSBP beneficiaries at the Dusit Thani Residence in Davao City.

He acknowledged the contributions of government troops who died or were wounded while performing their duties.

“Ang mga tulong medikal, pinansiyal, edukasyon, trabaho, pabahay, at iba pang mga social welfare assistance na kalakip ng CSBP ay nararapat lamang para sa inyo (at) sa mga pamilyang naulila ng mga magigiting nating kawal sa gitna ng labanan (The medical, financial, educational, employment, housing, and other social welfare assistances included in the CSBP are meant for you and the families bereaved by our brave soldiers in the line of duty),” the President said.

“Kung kaya naman, inaatasan ko ang mga kinauukulang ahensya na tiyakin ang maayos na implementasyon ng mga ito. Siguruhin ninyo ang mga benepisyo ay mabilis na makakarating sa ating mga mamamayan. Sa pagsulong ng Bagong Pilipinas, lahat ng mga Pilipino ay uunlad at magiging katuwang sa transpormasyon na ito (That is why I am directing the concerned agencies to ensure the proper implementation of this program. Make sure the benefits reach our citizens immediately. As the New Philippines advances, all Filipinos will prosper and be partners in this transformation).”

Marcos assured that his administration would continue to provide support to military and police personnel who are fulfilling their mandates to serve and protect the country.

The country, he said, could never repay the service they provide to keep it “peaceful, safe, and orderly.”

“Ang kanilang sakripisyo ay hindi natin malilimutan. Ito ay bahagi ng ating kolektibong kamalayan. Sa puntong ito, nais din nating ipagdiwang ang tagumpay ng programang Comprehensive Social Benefits Program o CSBP. Sigurado akong lahat kayo (rito) ngayon ay natulungan na nito (Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. It is part of our collective consciousness. At this point, we also want to celebrate the success of the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program or CSBP. I’m sure all of you here now have received assistance from this),” he said.

Under Executive Order (EO) 110 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte on April 7, 2020, the CSBP provides different types of benefits and assistance, such as “special financial assistance, scholarship, special welfare assistance, health and medical care assistance, shelter assistance, and employment assistance.”

Wounded military and police personnel, as well as the qualified beneficiaries of killed soldiers and police officers, are eligible to avail of the assistance.

Uniformed personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard and members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU Active Auxiliary Units) may also benefit from CSBP.

“There is a need to enhance and rationalize existing assistance and benefits given to police, military, and their support units through a comprehensive social benefits program in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the pursuit of just and lasting peace,” read EO 110.

Since 2016, the government has provided PHP777.20 million worth of financial and shelter assistance to the beneficiaries of uniformed personnel who were killed in action or operation. (PNA)