As the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continues to drop, the Sampung Libong Pag-asa program continues to provide cash assistance to those in need as Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano recognizes the need to empower Filipinos recovering from financial losses brought on by the pandemic.
The latest episode of Sampung Libong Pag-asa on December 4, 2021 in SM Aura, Taguig City announced 100 new beneficiaries from around the country and focused on beauty parlor staff as the target sector.
“Alam mo, isa ang mga parlorista at mga manggugupit, manikurista sa labis na naapektuhan nitong pandemic. Personal kasi at malapit ang contact ng manggugupit natin sa atin, kaya isa ito sa mga ipinagbawal nung una sa Department of Health (DOH) at ng IATF natin,” Rep. Lani Cayetano said.
(You know, our parlor staff, barbers, and manicurists are among the most affected by the pandemic. It’s because it’s a personal and close contact situation. That’s why they were among the first businesses restricted by the DOH and IATF.)
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2020 List of Establishments, the Philippines has 5,158 beauty parlors with 22,504 employees and 2,445 barber shops with 6,185 employees.
The industry has a significant impact on the economy and the decline in employment and work opportunities has greatly affected thousands of Filipinos.
“Labis na naapektuhan ang ating mga parlorista kaya naman ngayon, lalo na papasok ang kapaskuhan, sila naman ang aabutan ng Sampung Libong Pag-asa,” she added.
(Our parlorists have been greatly affected so now, especially as Christmas approaches, they will be the ones to receive the P10,000.)
A total of 50 parlor staff were announced during the episode, consisting of 20 from Pasay City, 15 from Parañaque City, and 15 from Muntinlupa City.
Another 50 beneficiaries selected from the FB Live’s comments section were announced.
Present with Rep. Lani Cayetano during the live episode were Pastor Tony Cabrera, Mark Allen E. Besa who is the Human Resources Head of the Office of Parañaque Mayor Eric L. Olivarez, and host Denise Tan.
Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Parañaque City 1st District Rep. Eric L. Olivarez, Muntinlupa Social Services Department Head Analyn Mercado, and Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office Assistant Department Head Elisa Hilapo were also present during the distribution of the P10,000 cash assistance.
Local government officials from the cities expressed their gratitude and support for the former Speaker and his livelihood program.
“Hindi natin maalis talaga na sobrang naapektuhan sila ng pandemic, ng COVID-19, especially itong mga kababayan natin na nagtatrabaho sa parlor at barber shop. Malaking tulong ang ibinigay ni Senator Alan Peter Cayetano kasi nga po talagang sila y’ung may contact ang trabaho nila kaya kami ay nagpapasalamat,” Besa said.
(We can’t deny the fact that people have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those who work in parlors and barbershops. The amount that Senator Alan Peter Cayetano gave is a lot of help because they are really the ones who have contact with other people in their line of work so we are grateful.)
Launched on May 1, 2021, the Sampung Libong Pag-asa program gives P10,000 in financial assistance to select individuals affected by the pandemic to help them recover and to help restart the economy.
“Marami-rami na rin ang ating naabot, maraming buhay na rin ang ating nabago, tutuloy nating ang Sampung Libong Pag-asa hangga’t sinasamahan niyo kami. Magpapatuloy tayo sa awa ng ating Panginoon,” Rep. Lani said.
(We have achieved a lot, we have changed many lives, and we will continue the Sampung Libong Pag-asa program as long as you are with us. We will continue by the mercy of our Lord.)
As of December 1, a total of 14,197 beneficiaries have already received the P10,000 cash assistance.
