Twelve modern-day heroes from DSWD Field Office 02 will fly to Tacloban, Leyte to aid in the revalidation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries who were affected during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

They are Laura Donato, Angelica Maribbay, Alegrea Gullunan, Hayzelle Javier, Jose Alvin Antiola, Bryan Villamin, Roderick Ballesteros, Lady Ann Dalupang, Charidel Manuel, Cherisse Macarubbo, Elena Matalang, and Jonathan Ramos who are all workers for Pantawid Pamilya in region 02 as Municipal Links and Social Welfare Assistants respectively.

The contingent will aid in identifying Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries from among other displaced households; in validating and updating the data profiles of the identified households; and in facilitating the issuance of temporary ID of the beneficiaries during the release of their cash grants, among others.

“This is an opportune time for us to lend a help to our fellows, especially to our beneficiaries. This gives me a deeper sense of fulfillment, not just as an ML, but most especially, as a person,” said Jose Alvin Antiola, Municipal Link of Baggao, Cagayan, and one of the volunteers.

During the briefing, DSWD Regional Director Violeta A. Cruz lauded the volunteers for their commitment to help beneficiaries from other regions.

The team will leave Tuguegarao on December 5, 2013 and will stay in Tacloban until December 18, 2013.

This just proves that amid disasters and calamities, there are heroes who walk among us, ready to help, ready to serve. ### By MARICEL B. ASEJO, Pantawid Information Officer II