It was an extended celebration of Mother’s Day for Boholanos as the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano visited Bohol for a three-day program to provide livelihood assistance, with women as the primary beneficiaries.
On May 13, 2024, the senators’ offices visited the cities of Garcia Hernandez and Pilar, offering vital aid to a total of 644 beneficiaries.
Reysan dela Peña, a member of the Boctol Jagna Bohol Women’s Association and one of 500 beneficiaries in Garcia Hernandez, expressed deep gratitude, saying “Malaking pasasalamat po talaga kay Senator Pia Cayetano kasi binibigyan niya ng pansin ang kapakanan ng mga kababaihan na hindi napapansin ng iba.”
The successful event in Garcia Hernandez, focusing on women and health workers as beneficiaries, was conducted in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which supports individuals in challenging circumstances.
On the same day, the senators’ offices also visited Pilar extending aid to uplift the income of 144 individuals, focusing on women and families in need.
Merlyn Labajos, expressing her plans for the received assistance, said, “Malaking tulong po talaga ito, isa po kaming mahirap na pamilya. Gagamitin ko po ito sa babuyan, pambili at pampakain din. Ibibigay ko po talaga ang best ko po para palaguin ito.”
The successful disbursement activity in Pilar was made possible through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which helps families in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) establish their own micro-businesses to boost their income.
On May 14, 2024, the offices of the sibling senators visited Jagna and San Miguel, benefiting a total of 1,148 residents with livelihood programs aimed at boosting their livelihood.
Lovely Rose Setias, one of 1,000 beneficiaries in Jagna, shared, “Sa grupo po namin, nagtatahi kami, gumagawa ng dishwashing soap, at ititinda para may pagkakitaan kami. Dagdag puhunan po ito [livelihood assistance] sa ating mga kababahain.”
The successful activity in Jagna, which provided vital aid to health workers and women, was again in partnership with the DSWD through their AICS program.
On the same day, the offices of Cayetano siblings visited San Miguel, providing livelihood aid to 148 beneficiaries who are women and members of the 4Ps.
Expressing her joy when asked about her plans for the assistance, Jovelyn Boncales said she would use what she received to start a piggery so she could have a stable source of income for her family.
“Gusto ko po sana na mapalago ang babuyan para sa pamilya ko, para may pang suporta sa tustusin ng pamilya,” she said.
On the last day, May 15, 2024, the offices of the sibling senators visited Tagbilaran, extending help to 168 individuals, including women and fisherfolk.
Beneficiaries in Tagbilaran received aid through SLP, aiming to establish micro-businesses or provide training to enhance their skills for future employment.
The three-day provision of livelihood programs to numerous Boholanos was made successful through the crucial efforts and full participation of local governments.
The Cayetano siblings continue to visit various cities nationwide, providing timely assistance to boost the livelihoods of Filipinos and expand their economic opportunities.
