“Talagang kinakapos na po kami, mahirap po mabaon sa utang. Napakalaking tulong po ng binigay ninyo.”
With these heartfelt words, Emilia Lapitan, a street vendor, expressed her gratitude to Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for including her as one of the 300 beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program in Quiapo, Manila, on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
“Napakataas na rin po ng presyo ng mga bilihin ngayon, makakatulong po ito sa aming pagtitinda,” Lapitan added.
Similarly expressing her appreciation was Leticia Bulusan, a senior citizen and sari-sari store owner. Struggling to make ends meet due to her age, Bulusan said, “Pang puhunan ko po ito sa aking sari-sari store. Salamat po at mayroon na po akong pandagdag sa aking mga paninda.”
Held at the Liwasan Covered Court, the distribution provided assistance to sari-sari store and sidewalk vendors who sell fruits, bags, and clothing items on the streets of Quiapo.
This marks the first time that the AICS program was held in one of Manila’s historic cores, all made possible in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and in coordination with Barangay 289 Zone 40 Council, headed by Barangay Captain Marvy Jimenez.
“Sa tatlong daan po na beneficiary, lahat po sila ay tuwang-tuwa. Maraming salamat po at dinala ninyo ang programa sa aming distrito,” Jimenez said.
“Sana po ay mas marami pa kayong matulungan, lalo na ang mga nangangailangan,” he added.
On the same day, the sibling senators’ AICS program extended its reach to Bicol, Pampanga, and Cebu, making sure that immediate support will be provided to the most vulnerable sectors in the country.
