SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian recently led the distribution of government aid to 682 vendors affected by the fire that destroyed the San Fernando City wet market in January.
They received grants under the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
Gatchalian emphasized the program's aim to fulfill President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s directive of providing swift assistance to disaster victims.
“Andito po kami ngayon para makapag-ambag kahit papaano sa inyong nawalang puhunan. Hindi man namin mapalitan lahat, sana makatulong ito sa ating maliit na paraan,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
(We're here to contribute in some way to your lost capital. While we can't replace everything, we hope this helps you get back on your feet.)
The LSG-SLP program provides financial aid to families and individuals affected by disasters like fires, allowing them to restart their businesses.
According to Evelyn Rimando, project development officer from DSWD Field Office 1, a total of P7.4 million was distributed, with grants ranging from P5,000 to P15,000 depending on their lost enterprise.
San Fernando City Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto expressed his appreciation for DSWD's ongoing support.
“Kami’y nagpapasalamat sa DSWD kasi tuloy-tuloy ang tulong na pinapaabot sa mga vendors dito sa San Fernando. Matatagalan bago makabalik sa normal, makabangon ang ating mga kapatid doon sa nangyaring sunog sa atin,” he said.
(We are thankful for DSWD's continuous help to our vendors. It will take time to recover from the fire, but this assistance will go a long way.)
Mary Ann Vaal, a fish vendor who lost equipment in the fire, is one of the beneficiaries.
“Malaking tulong na po ito. Pandagdag puhunan ko…kailangan ko ng maraming [benta] para kumite. Kasi kung wala ka namang puhunan, wala ka namang kita,” she shared.
(This is a big help. It's additional capital…I need to get back on my feet. Without investment, there's no income.)
This distribution follows previous DSWD aid provided through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, funded by La Union First District Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega V and Senator Imee Marcos. (JCR/REB/AMB/PIA Region 1)
