Over a thousand Boholanos from various sectors received a diverse range of assistance from Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s outreach efforts in Tagbilaran City on November 23 and 24, 2023.
Two separate aid activities were held on November 23 in collaboration with the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis (AICS) program: one provided educational, medical, and burial assistance to a thousand Tagbilaran residents, while the other provided livelihood assistance to hundreds of the city’s small business owners.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap and City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Head Lucille Clarin played instrumental roles in reaching the beneficiaries and ensuring the success of these outreach activities.
Clarin emphasized the financial struggles of small business owners, especially when their children are still studying.
“Mahirap talaga ‘pag may estudyante ka at tindahan lang ang inaatupag [mo]. Mahirap lalo na kung may nagkakasakit na mga anak,” she said.
Filomena Kudemus, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her appreciation to Cayetano, “Daghang salamat po, Senator Cayetano. Malaking tulong ito sa amin. Ipangbibili ko po ito ng bigas at iba pang pangangailangan namin sa bahay,” she said.
The following day, Cayetano’s office, together with the DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), extended livelihood assistance to TODA, JODA, and Calamay Vendors of Tagbilaran.
These sectors are members of Cayetano’s Presyo, Trabaho, Kita/Kaayusan (PTK) program, a livelihood program for existing sectoral groups he launched in 2013.
Former Mayor Baba C. Yap of Tagbilaran City, DOLE officials, and the presidents of PTK groups were all present at the activity.
Among the beneficiaries was tricycle driver Bobby Dilaña, who shared his struggles in budgeting his 500-peso daily income for his children’s education and household needs.
“Apat na anak po ang aking pinapaaral sa college, araw-araw kumakain din kami. Pinipilit ko talagang i-budget,” he said.
Dilaña expressed his gratitude to Cayetano for introducing his PTK program to their community, noting that the livelihood assistance significantly benefited their TODA members.
“Nasisiyahan po kami kasi nung 2014 ay nabigyan kami ni Senator Alan ng tulong sa aming TODA, at iyon po ay aming pinalago,” he said.
These initiatives are part of Cayetano’s ongoing efforts to support marginalized communities in the country. He closely collaborates with government agencies and local units to ensure that Filipinos in need receive the necessary assistance.
