A total of 166 professional boxers received cash and relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare through the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) recently in General Santos City.
Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra said that Sen. Bong Go, who chairs the senate’s Sports Committee, initiated the move for the local boxers.
“We are grateful for the support of Sen. Bong Go as it gives fighters the much needed assistance during this crisis situation,” said Mitra.
“It will also give them the chance to concentrate on their training as the assistance can help their families as well.”
Also present at the event are DSWD assistant secretary Jade Jamalod, regional director Joel Espejo and assistant regional director Bonifacio Selma.
Aside from the P5,000 cash assistance, the DSWD also gave goods to local boxers severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Go also gave additional food packs to the boxers.
Under the AICS, DSWD provides medical, educational, burial, transportation and food assistance to individuals in crisis situations, particularly those who belong to the informal sector and other poor, marginalized, vulnerable and disadvantaged persons.
Aside from General Santos City, 59 local pro boxers also received assistance in Davao City.