BAGUIO CITY(PIA) — More than a thousand individuals including organizations in the province of Apayao benefited from the payout of financial assistance during the government services caravan at the BGV Jr. Gymnasium in Poblacion, Luna, Apayao on September 13, 2024.
National government agencies with the provincial government of Apayao headed by Governor Elias Bulut Jr. and the Office of Apayao Congresswoman Elanor Bulut-Begtang led in the province the distribution of financial aid, livelihood grants, and starter toolkits in the simultaneous “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat” across the country on Sept. 13 in celebration of Pres. Marcos birthday.
At least 500 beneficiaries of the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) received P2,500,000 with P5,000 each. A total of 709 Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) workers likewise get received their cash assistance totaling to P4,573,050 million.
Moreover, 125 beneficiaries under the Government Internship Program (GIP) received assistance amounting to P484,875,000.
There were also 65 TESDA beneficiaries who received their various starter toolkits. The DTI-Apayao also awarded a Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project on “Abel Manufacturing” amounting to P855,525.00 to the Luna Weavers Association.
The project aims to bolster local weaving initiatives and empower the Apayao weaving community.
The DTI also provided business counseling, dissemination of business information materials, assistance to online Business Name Registration, and other business name-related requests, online Barangay Micro Business Enterprise registration, and financing facilitation.
A mini trade fair featuring a variety of local products from the province were also provided at the venue thru the support of the micro small and medium entrepreneurs.
In her message, Cong. Bulut-Begtang said this initiative is a demonstration of the President’s sincere commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipinos.
“These assistance, programs and services are support coming from the various offices of the national government, the House of Representatives, the Provincial Government of Apayao and the Office of President Marcos. These support to the people of Apayao show the support being given by the government to those in need down to the grassroots and the communities,” Bulut-Begtang said.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance they received. Some beneficiaries testified on the impact of the government’s social programs.
Bernardo Dela Cruz, a 68-year-old AKAP beneficiary, expressed appreciation for the support.
“I am a senior citizen and a farmer, and thanks to the AKAP program thru the President which show that the government really wants to support people such as farmers.”
A GIP beneficiary said aside from the financial support, the program gives them opportunity to experience and learn how to work in the government and be professionals in the future.
“Bilang isang fresh graduate na kasali sa Government Internship Program, magandang oportunidad ito para makakuha ng karanasan sa pamahalaan, malaking tulong din ito sa akin upang matustusan ko ang aking pang araw araw na pangangailangan. Naniniwala akong mahalaga ang GIP para sa paghubog ng mga bagong propesyonal na may malasakit sa paglilingkod sa bayan,” Ivee Jane Ferrer.
[As a fresh graduate and a GIP, this is a good opportunity to get experience to work in a government office. It is also a big help with my daily expenses. I believe that the GIP is important in shaping new professionals to be caring in providing public service.]
AKAP beneficiary Jeonardh Bartolme expressed gratitude and his wish that more would benefit from the AKAP and other programs of the government being delivered to them in the grassroots.
“Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa administrasyong Marcos at sa Liderato ng ating butihinh gobernadora dahil sa tulong pinansyal na ibinogay sa akin. Malaking bagay ang aking mga pangunahing pangangailangan, lalo na sa mga pagkakataong hirap akong makahanap ng trabaho. Sana ay marami pa ang mabigyan ng ganitong opportunidad ng ganoon ay sama sama tayong mapagkalooban ng tulong.”
Gina Dela Cruz, a 53-year-old resident of Santa Marcela who attended the orientation for the DOLE -TUPAD program, conveyed her thanks, saying she joined said program to support her adopted child’s education and other expenses.
The activity in Apayao was graced by DILG Undersecretary for External, Legal and Legislative Affairs Atty. Victor Llamas, Board Member Kyle Bulut, and the provincial Board Members, municipal mayors led by League of Municipalities of the Philippines Apayao Chapter President Pudtol Mayor Hector Reuel Pascua, Provincial Administrator Atty. Edmar Pascua with the line agency heads and representatives. (JDP/RMC-PIA CAR with Apayao PIO/DTI-CAR)
