For Albert James Alberto, the COVID-19 pandemic was a major trial that placed a great strain on him and his family.
“Dumaan ang pandemic tapos nagkaroon ako ng congenital heart disease. Bawal na akong magtrabaho kaya nagtayo ako ng sari-sari store,” he said as he thanked Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for the livelihood assistance the offices of sibling senators delivered to him and over a hundred other residents of Parañaque on Friday.
“Malaking tulong itong SLP (Sustainable Livelihood Program) para sa aming mga naghihikahos,” Alberto added.
Held on Friday, May 3, the initiative was aimed to address the needs and to sustain the livelihood of 120 residents who belong to womens’ groups, Persons With Disabilities (PWD), and LGBTQ in Parañaque City.
The event was organized by Parañaque Councilor Ryan Yllana and done in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
Also expressing her gratitude to the senators, single mom Gabriely Prias Duncan said she will use the assistance to improve her and her disabled child’s quality of life.
“Kalahati po sa tulong ay ibibili ko ng pagkain namin, tapos kalahati ay ipangnenegosyo ko. Maraming salamat kasi isa po ako sa napiling mabigyan ng tulong. Ingat po kayo Senators Alan Peter at Pia Cayetano parati. God bless!” Duncan, who is currently jobless, said.
The SLP awarding was graced by Yllana’s Chief of Staff Noel Palomarez and DSWD NCR Cluster Head Marie Rose Putong. Parañaque Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte also sent a message of thanks.
Providing livelihood aid to thousands of Filipinos nationwide, the Cayetanos remain committed to building communities and providing equal opportunities to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
