For Rosalie Frago, the past two months of community quarantine was a tough ride, especially that she has eight children to worry about.

Despite having a big family, Rosalie and her husband, residents of Brgy. Conde Itaas in Batangas City, managed to provide for their children. While Rosalie sold all sorts of street foods in the busier parts of Batangas City, her husband worked as a carpenter and repairman.

“Kinakaya naman po namin kahit mahirap. Pasalamat na rin po ako sa mga anak ko at masisipag. Habang di pa po sila nagpapamilya, nagbibigay po sila sa amin para sa mga gastusin,” Rosalie shared.

The community quarantine came as a surprise for the family. Rosalie admitted that they got nothing saved as their daily earnings are just enough for their everyday needs.

“Kapag po ganitong marami kami, mahirap pong mag-budget ng pera at lalo naman po ang mag-ipon,” shared Rosalie.

Fortunately, through the local government’s regular rations of relief goods and the assistance of their friends, the family was able to get through. They also qualified to receive the emergency subsidy under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The SAP is the national government’s support for low-income families greatly affected by the community quarantine for their daily subsistence while they are unable to get back to work.

Receiving their PhP 6,500 emergency subsidy, Rosalie had all the important things to buy in mind. She cannot even hide how relieved she was that their family can buy the things they need. However, all these things did not turn out the way she planned.

“Naisipan po ng mga anak kong magsibak ng kahoy. ‘Yung talim ng palakol, natanggal po sa hawakan, tumama po malapit sa leeg ng anak ko,” Rosalie recalled.

Her son was rushed to the hospital with the help of their neighbors. Fortunately, the wound was not critical. Upon treatment, they headed home.

“Sobra pong nakakakaba ang nangyari. Pasalamat po ako sa Diyos at wala pong natamaang ugat. Ngayon po ay nagpapagaling na s’ya sa amin,” Rosalie shared.

They spent a total of Php 2,000 from their emergency subsidy for her son’s treatment and medication. The rest, they spent on groceries.

“Salamat na lamang po at kami ay nabiyayaan ng financial assistance ng DSWD. Kung hindi po siguro kami nakatanggap, hindi ko na po alam kung paano ako makakabayad sa pampagamot ng anak ko,” she shared.

As of now, Rosalie’s son is recovering well and the couple are already finding ways to start earning again especially since Batangas City is placed under general community quarantine. Each member of their family is grateful for the assistance they received during the ECQ period.

“Sobrang laki po ng aking pasasalamat sa SAP. Hindi ko po akalain na pati buhay ng anak ko, maliligtas ng ayudang aming natanggap. Ang laking gaan rin po sa aming pang-araw-araw lalo na at malaki ang aming pamilya,” Rosalie shared.***