President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed concerned government agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP) for the police and the military.
Mr. 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.
The President and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio led the awarding of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s six CSBP recipients.
Some of the beneficiaries received houses and lots worth P400,000 per unit, plus employment, scholarships, and financial assistance.
Mr. Marcos acknowledged the contributions of government troops who died or were wounded while performing their duties.
“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.
“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.”
Mr. 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.”
“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.
Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, whose message was read by his sister, Vice President Duterte-Carpio, thanked uniformed personnel for continuing to dedicate their lives to the service and protection of the country.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to each one of you for joining us in this assembly. Together, let us move forward in the spirit of gratitude, unity, and service to our nation,” Mayor Duterte said in his statement.
CSBP stands as a living tribute to the “bravery, gallantry, and unwavering resilience demonstrated by the heroes of our nation in the face of adversity,” the mayor added.
Darean Dyn Camilosa, wife of Pfc. Philip Dante Camilosa who died in a C-130 crash in Jolo, Sulu in July 2021, thanked the national government for remembering their loved ones and paying tribute to their services.
“I thanked President Marcos for this opportunity and for honoring the contribution of our men in uniform,” she said in an interview.