Oxfam, Microsoft partner to aid Covid-19 patients

Oxfam and Microsoft partnered to provide cash assistance to low-income families of confirmed and suspected Covid-19 patients in Quezon City.

TO scale up government efforts to curb the impact of the pandemic, international development and humanitarian organization Oxfam and Microsoft partnered to provide cash assistance to low-income families of confirmed and suspected Covid-19 patients in Quezon City.

Oxfam Pilipinas Country Director Lot Felizco said the cash assistance would be initially provided to 90 families in areas identified to have high cases of Covid-19.

“We shall use digital cash transfer through an electronic prepaid card to reduce the risk of virus transmission, and to manage a safe, quick, and transparent cash transfer. This also provides the affected communities more access to financial services, and ultimately, enhances their dignity,” Felizco said.

The cash assistance amounting to P5,000, which is based on the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP), support families for their food and medicinal needs, as well as pay for their utilities.

“As an organization we recognize the role and responsibility we have in making sure our customers, partners and communities are able to respond and adapt to the situation we’re all facing. Through Oxfam, we are able to live up to that commitment and deliver aid and assistance to the hard-hit communities of Quezon City,” Microsoft Philippines Country General Manager Andres Ortola said.

Oxfam and Microsoft also provide hygiene kits, face masks, vitamins and health supplements to the families of Covid-19 patients to mitigate the risks of virus transmission in their families and communities.

Implemented with the Partnership of Philippine Support Service Agencies (PHILSSA), Oxfam and Microsoft hope the initiative strengthens collaborative efforts among development agencies, the government and private sector to contribute to efforts to reduce poverty and vulnerability.

Source: TheManila Times