23, 338 persons with disabilities (PWDs), or 95% of the target beneficiaries in Region X received cash aid for the BUHAYnihan Cash-for-work program. 

BUHAYnihan or Buhay at Bayanihan para sa Mamamayan Cash-for-Work for Persons with Disabilities is a stop-gap mechanism to mitigate the vulnerabilities of PWDs during this pandemic and ensure inclusive social protection in this time of crisis.

Beneficiaries received a daily rate of 390 pesos in exchange for their community service rendered for six to ten days. Target PWDs for the program are identified according to the DSWD National Household Targeting Office. The list will undergo assessment and validation at the LGU level for eligibility or possible replacement, provided they are certified as poor.

A proxy may render community service on behalf of the PWD in case the beneficiary cannot work due to limitations. DSWD Field Office X disbursed a total of 84 million worth of assistance for the BUHAYnihan program as of Jan. 24, 2023. Two remaining LGUs in Misamis Occidental namely Plaridel and Ozamis City are still scheduled for payout.

“Ang programang BUHAYnihan ay isang patunay na ang DSWD ay handang tumulong sa lahat ng sektor ng lipunan lalo na sa mga kababayan nating Persons with Disabilities,” said DSWD Undersecretary Charles Frederick Co during the national simultaneous payout on December 3, 2022 held in Mambajao, Camiguin.

Among the five provinces in Region X, Misamis Oriental has the highest number of target beneficiaries, with 7,968 PWDs. More than 91 million is allocated for Region X for 93 municipalities and cities. 

BUHAYnihan is implemented by the DSWD Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), a community-driven development program that prompts community members to take meaningful participation in the improvement of their well-being.