Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced the release of PHP11.31 million under its Therapy for Fee (TheraFee) project, which has benefited 1,953 care workers and their families through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program. According to Philippines News Agency, KALAHI-CIDSS national program manager Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin provided these figures, which are based on records as of June 24, 2026. The project, initially piloted in 2025, was implemented in Sibunag, Guimaras; Bingawan, Iloilo; Madalag and New Washington in Aklan; and Valenzuela City. Mapue-Joaquin explained that the TheraFee initiative is part of the government's broader effort to support family caregivers and persons with disabilities (PWDs) who require significant assistance. It operates under the KALAHI-CIDSS cash-for-work program for PWDs. The TheraFee program aims to recognize and compensate caregiving work, provide essential ser vices to persons with permanent total disability, and train care workers. It also promotes gender equality, social inclusion, and stronger family and community support systems. Mapue-Joaquin stated that TheraFee addresses critical social protection needs by directly supporting care workers, who are often family members, as well as PWDs with high support needs to maintain their dignity, health, and quality of life. Care workers under the program are compensated for up to eight hours of daily caregiving tasks, including assistance with feeding, bathing, dressing, mobility, medication management, meal preparation, and companionship. The initiative prioritizes home-based care, group homes, and kinship arrangements. DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao highlighted that qualified care workers receive pay equivalent to the regional daily minimum wage. Additionally, TheraFee offers psychosocial support, basic rehabilitation training, and assistance with PhilHealth and Philippine Statistics Authority r egistration. Beneficiaries also have access to Solo Parent Corners and referrals under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. The DSWD plans to expand TheraFee nationwide in partnership with the National Council on Disability Affairs. This expansion aims to strengthen inclusive social protection by acknowledging unpaid care work and enhancing the quality of life for PWDs with high support needs.