SANTO DOMINGO. - Banco Popular Dominicano signed a collaboration agreement with the Mayor's Office of the National District (ADN), the Ibero-American University (UNIBE) and the World Association of Psychology in Emergencies (AMPE), to offer psychosocial support to children and adolescents orphaned as a result of the tragic events of the early morning of April 8.
Thanks to this inter-institutional alliance, coverage will be expanded for the implementation of a comprehensive socio-family intervention protocol that will prioritize care for families with the highest level of vulnerability.
As part of the agreement, Banco Popular will make a contribution of RD$5.5 million, which will cover three months of psychological therapy, transportation services and food for the minor beneficiaries and their guardians.
The initiative will be implemented by interdisciplinary teams from the Ministry of Public Health, the National Council for Children and Adolescents (CONANI) and Supérate, in coordination with allied entities.
Representatives of the institutions during the signing of the agreement. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
The therapies will be offered every Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Fray Antonio de Montesino monument. Those interested can request information via email at rossy.trinidad@adn.gob.do
A solidarity alliance
The CEO of Banco Popular, Christopher Paniagua, stated that this solidarity alliance will multiply the positive impact on the beneficiaries. “We are honored to contribute from our role as a socially responsible company and to highlight the solidarity that the country needs,” he said, adding that this agreement is “a collective commitment to human dignity, to alleviate the emotional burden that many affected families are carrying today.”.
The mayor of the National District, Ms. Carolina Mejía, expressed her gratitude to Banco Popular, as well as to the other entities, for their genuine interest in supporting the victims of the tragedy, “we are sitting here today at the initiative of Banco Popular, who approached us to give us the news that they would be supporting us, I want to thank the kind heart and good disposition of the Popular family.
Vanessa Espaillat, director of AMPE, emphasized the importance of demonstrating solidarity in times like these. “Our mission is to serve Dominican families in emergency situations, supporting the mental health of those affected and helping them overcome collective grief like the one we are currently experiencing.”.
For her part, Odile Camilo Vincent, rector of UNIBE, said she believes in the power of unity. “I believe in the power of public-private partnerships, academia, and civil society. Only by working together can we achieve real transformations.”.
This coordinated effort seeks to ensure dignified, humane and sustained support over time, offering not only emotional support, but also social and health care pathways for each child and adolescent impacted by this tragedy.
