Taking steps to improve their economic situation, hundreds of Cebuanos from vulnerable sectors in the Cities of Cebu, Carcar, and Toledo recently received livelihood assistance from the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano.
During a two-day visit to the province, the Cayetanos’ ‘Bayanihan Caravan’ partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to distribute a total of P9 million in capital to 600 residents through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
Both the SLP and the Bayanihan Caravan aim to help underprivileged Filipinos engage in and sustain their livelihoods.
On July 11, 2024, the senators’ offices visited Carcar City to assist 300 tricycle drivers, fisherfolk, farmers, barangay health workers (BHWs), and other sectors in need.
The following day, July 12, 2024, the Bayanihan Caravan reached out to an additional 300 Filipinos in Cebu City and Toledo City to provide capital for their livelihoods.
One of the recipients in Cebu City was Mary Grace Amigar, a 34-year-old mother of three who used to earn for her family by selling cooked meals.
“Sa ngayon po nahihirapan akong magtinda-tinda kasi may maliit pa akong baby at may estudyanteng nag-aaral,” Amigar said.
She said she is planning to open up an online shop using the assistance she received from the sibling senators.
“Sa matatanggap ko ngayon, balak kong magtinda online ng beauty products. Magluluto din ako tapos ipo-post [at ititinda] ko online,” she said.
“Palalaguin [ko po ito]. Hustle hard po talaga at sakripisyo para maabot ‘yung mga pangarap natin,” she added, thanking the two senators.
Leonora Alvarez, also from Cebu City, echoed Amigar’s gratitude on behalf of her niece who was one of the recipients.
“Nagbabalak kami na mag-sari-sari store para kahit papano may araw-araw na pinagkakakitaan habang nag-aaral siya. Ako minsan ang magbabantay para makapag-aral siya kahit nagtitinda,” she said.
“Lalagyan namin ng mga panindang gulay at pagkain para makadagdag sa kita at mapalago ang kapital,” she added.
The distribution in Barangays Perellos and Poblacion 3 was conducted in coordination with their local government units led by Carcar City Mayor Patrick Barcenas, Carcar City Councilor Hervy De Dios, Barangay Perrelos Chairman Schubert Veloso, Barangay Poblacion 2 Chairman Michael Wasawas, and Barangay Poblacion 3 Chairman Mario Leonor Cabigas.
In addition, the assistance was successfully distributed to recipients in Barangay Basak, San Nicolas, with support from Cebu City 2nd District Rep. Edu Rama represented by his Chief of Staff Atty. Lambert Quizon, Councilors Dondon Hontiveros, Francis Esparis, Joy Pesquera, and Phillip Zafra, along with Barangay Basak Chairman Norman Navarro.
Finally, the outreach in Toledo City was coordinated with Mayor Marjorie “Joie” Perales.
“I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support that you’ve given to the people of Toledo. I challenge them (recipients) to use it wisely and productively,” Perales said, addressing the sibling senators.
