For “blue collar workers” like electricians, plumbers, mechanics, maintenance staff, factory workers, painters, carpenters, masons, and steelmen, the pandemic continues to bring hardship as lockdowns continue to be implemented to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“Sa dami ng problema ng ating mga kababayan like pambayad ng kuryente, tubig, pang-internet para sa mga anak na nag-aaral or online sales, napakaimportante na may matira para sa araw araw na pangangailangan at negosyo nila,” former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said during the Sampung Libong Pag-asa program held on Monday, August 31, 2021.
(With so many problems our countrymen are facing like paying for electricity, water, internet for children who are studying or doing online sales, it is very important that there is something left for their daily needs and businesses.)
On Monday’s program, which was live-streamed through Cayetano’s official Facebook page, 30 preselected blue collar workers from the cities of Pasig, Pasay, and Las Piñas were announced as beneficiaries of P10,000 in cash assistance.
An additional 20 individuals were chosen from the livestream’s comments section, bringing the total to 50.
Monday’s program also highlighted the experience of Roland Ciasico Ampo of Sta. Mesa, Manila who was selected to receive the 10K Ayuda on May 28, 2021.
“Nung natanggap ko po yung 10k ayuda, ginamit ko po sa pambili po ng mga damit po para makapagtinda. At malaking tulong po sa akin sa COVID-19 na mayroon po kaming naititinda,” Ampo said in a video presentation.
(When I received the 10K aid, I used it to buy clothes so that I could start selling. And it is a great help during the COVID-19 [pandemic] that we can sell something.)
“Yung P8,000 po, binili ko po ng damit. Tapos yung P2,000 po binili ko po ng sa araw-araw po na pagkain,” he added.
(I used P8,000 to buy clothes to sell. I used the remaining P2,000 to buy food.)
Ampo said his business now earns P400 to P500 a day.
“Sa panahon po ng ECQ ‘di na po ako natatakot na magutom po y’ung pamilya ko dahil sa binigay pong P10,000 na ayuda,” he said.
Launched on May 1, 2021, the Sampung Libong Pag-Asa program gives P10,000 in financial assistance to select individuals affected by the pandemic.
As of August 30, 2021, a total of 9,585 have already received the cash assistance.
Cayetano spearheaded the initiative in order to campaign for the inclusion of the P10,000 financial aid provision under the Bayanihan 3.
