“May mga panahon na may bagyo, hindi kami makakakuha ng isda, panay ulan, wala talaga, ang hirap talaga,” fish vendor Analie Garcia Padigos, said as she described the struggles of her trade.
Analie and her husband source fish from other cities and sell it within their community. With the prices of food and other essentials continuing to rise, Analie is thankful for the assistance she received from the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano.
“Sa kanilang tulong, may pandagdag na po kami sa isda, pampuhunan,” she said.
On April 12, 2024, 500 beneficiaries with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, were reached by the offices of senator siblings to provide timely aid that could be used to further boost their livelihood.
Another beneficiary, Corazon Balaba, plans on using the aid to add more products to her sari-sari store.
“Y’ung natanggap ko, pandagdag sa negosyo, lalo na ngayon na gusto ko magtinda ng frozen goods,” she said.
“Kami pong maliliit na negosyante, nagpapasalamat po kami kay Senator Alan at Pia Cayetano. Dahil po sa programang ito [livelihood assistance], marami po kayong natutulungan. Daghang salamat kaayo!” Corazon added.
Small business owners in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental were provided essential assistance through the senators’ collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
AICS aims to provide assistance to individuals to help them recover from difficult situations or to uplift their economic opportunities by supporting their livelihood.
The recent disbursement activity in Misamis Oriental was executed successfully due to the participation and efforts of Mayor Eric Canoza, Board Member Bobet De Lara, and 1st District Representative of Misamis Oriental, Christian Unabia.
The sibling senators continuously visit various cities nationwide to provide vital assistance that can be used to boost the livelihoods of Filipinos and widen their economic opportunities.
