“Bilang BHW, malaking tulong po ito sa pag-aaral ng aking mga anak. May pang gastos na po kami!”
Marica Lucaberte, a dedicated Barangay Health Worker (BHW) in Bacnotan, La Union, couldn’t contain her excitement as she expressed her gratitude to Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for including her among the 1,600 recipients of livelihood assistance in their city during a two-day distribution event on May 2 and 3, 2024.
“Bilang BHW po, nagpupunta po kami sa mga bahay-bahay upang makatulong sa may sakit. Masaya po kami na ngayon po, kami naman ang natulungan. Maraming salamat po dahil may maidadagdag na po kami sa pang araw-araw na gastusin,” she added.
The distribution of assistance targeted vulnerable sectors, including solo parents, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), as well as individuals offering medical assistance to the municipality such as the BHWs and Barangay Nutritionists.
Echoing Lucaberte’s sentiments was Elmer Higoy, a tricycle driver and a member of BlasTODA in Bacnotan, La Union. According to him, the assistance he received will alleviate the financial strain of providing for his children’s education.
“Ang hirap po kumayod ngayon, salamat po sa ating mga senador. Magagamit ko po ito sa pang-allowance ng mga anak ko at sa pagbili ng kanilang baon,” he said.
The distribution of aid was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program, in coordination with La Union First District Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega and the local government of Bacnotan led by Mayor Divine Fontanilla.
“Pinakamamahal na mga senador, maraming salamat po sa tulong na ibinigay ninyo sa bayan ng Bacnotan. Makakaasa po kayo sa aming suporta at sana po ay hindi kayo magsawang tumulong sa aming bayan,” Fontanilla said as she extended her gratitude to the sibling senators for bringing the program to their city.
Throughout the year, the AICS program has assisted nearly 40,000 individuals, prioritizing support for the most vulnerable sectors in the country. Within the same week, it extended aid to the residents of Bulacan and Ilocos Sur, providing a swift and inclusive approach to crisis response.
The AICS program is just one of the proactive efforts conducted by the sibling senators. For them, their mission is clear: to guarantee that no Filipino will be left behind on the journey towards prosperity.
