The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has delivered aid to Ferdinand Magpoc, known widely online as Tatay or Daddy Ferdy, whose heartfelt message for his canine companion pulled in heaps of love from netizens.
Under the DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program, Magpoc was granted medical assistance; he was given a guarantee letter, ensuring his medical expenses were shouldered by the agency, Welfare Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Irene Dumlao said on Saturday.
“Nakita namin ang pangangailangan ni Daddy Ferdy bagamat ‘yung kanyang video ay patungkol doon sa kanyang alagang aso. Lalo na at naputulan siya ng paa dahil sa diabetes. Kung kaya’t, nakipag-ugnayan kami sa kanyang anak kung ano pa ang pwedeng maitulong ng ating ahensya,” she said.
(We saw Daddy Ferdy’s need, although his video was about his pet dog. Especially since he had a foot amputated due to diabetes. So we contacted his son to see what else our agency could do to help.)
Magpoc’s son said his father needed a prosthesis and a reliable supply of maintenance medicines, Dumlao shared. They were advised to process the request at the agency’s Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) after three months, as medical assistance can only be availed once a quarter.
Magpoc was confined in the hospital after having his right leg amputated, leaving Nipples, his fur baby, home alone for over two weeks, said reports.
@chris_m1219 My dad recently underwent a major operation due to complications in his foot after stepping on a nail. His wound never healed properly because of his diabetes. Last Tuesday, we rushed him to the hospital when his foot began turning gray and black. After the diagnosis, the doctors advised that his foot needed to be amputated to prevent further complications. We’ve been at the hospital since then, and my dad constantly talks about his dog, Nips. He hasn’t seen her since the day we brought him here. I'm crying as I record this. We don’t know how long we’ll be staying at the hospital. We're still struggling with medical bills and his ongoing medication. May God help us get through this difficult time. If anyone is willing to help, we would gratefully accept any donations. I can send you a direct message if you’re interested in donating. Thank you so much for your kindness and support. #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #Doglover ♬ Piano, sad, touching, majestic, nature, movie - arachang
The story reminded netizens of stalwart Hachiko, a Japanese Akita dog known his astonishing loyalty to his deceased owner. In 2009, a movie was made to commemorate his quiet, unwavering devotion.
