DSWD disburses the P2,000 cash assistance to tricycle drivers in Naga, Cebu. (PIA 7)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — More than 1,000 beneficiaries from across Cebu province received assistance from Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio in Naga City, Cebu.
VP Sara was in Cebu on December 8, 2023 for the ceremonial distribution of financial assistance and gifts to identified beneficiaries from the LGBTQ, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and transport sectors.
In the morning, VP Sara turned over P2,000 worth of financial aid each to 500 tricycle drivers.
The grant was facilitated through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The drivers were members of the Danao PUJs Operators Drivers Multipurpose Cooperative, Danao-Compostela Tricycle Organization Drivers Association (DACOTODA), and the Cebu United Transport Cooperative (CUTC).
Godofredo Jordan, a 65-year-old driver from Danao City, earns an average of only P200 per day.
With two sickly children, he said the P2,000 assistance he received would help cover the medical needs of his wife and children.
“Maayo naman ni makapalit mi og bugas unya tambal pod sa akong asawa (This money would help us buy rice and medicines for my wife),” said Jordan, who was accompanied by his wife, Marita, during the distribution.
The couple thanked the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for the financial assistance they received.
“Dako kaayo ni na tabang namo. Mapasalamaton jud kaayo mi. (This is a big help for us. We are very grateful),” added Jordan.
Vice President Sara Duterte with the representatives of Moalboal Public Market Vendors Association (MOPUMAVA) on the handing of the P150,000.00. (PIA 7)
In the afternoon, the vice president led the distribution of gifts in the form of food packages to 1,340 beneficiaries from the LGBTQ community and the PWD and transport sectors.
Each food package contains 10 kilos of rice and a Noche Buena package.
Edwin Sanico, a PWD from the town of Carmen, is happy that he will be bringing home a pack of rice that day.
“Pasalamat tawn mi kay hapit na wala mi malung-ag (We are grateful because we almost have no rice to cook at home),” Sanico said.
He shared that if they do not have rice to serve on the table at home, they usually cook kamoteng kahoy (cassava) instead.
VP Sara also turned over livelihood assistance to 113 members of the Moalboal Public Market Vendors Association under the Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD) program.
The beneficiaries received P150,000 to start up a business, which includes financial literacy and capacity-building training. (JAT/PIA 7)
