Press Release - Cayetanos partner with DSWD to deliver aid to NCR residents in crisis

Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano once again partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to deliver assistance to over 1,700 Filipinos "in crisis situations" in Metro Manila.

The Bayanihan Caravan, organized by the offices of the younger Cayetano and of his sister Senator Pia, visited the Cities of Marikina, Quezon City, and Parañaque on October 16, 17, and 19, 2023.

The aid was distributed under the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, which helps Filipinos meet specific needs during times of life difficulties, including financial hardship, medical emergencies, education, and food crises.

The Bayanihan Caravan team also provided medical assistance to the beneficiaries in the form of guarantee letters, which can be used in selected government-run hospitals to avail of medical procedures, medicine, or settle existing hospital bills.

A total of 500 micro-entrepreneurs, athletes and coaches, and bike riders in Barangay Tumana, Marikina received assistance on the first day, October 16, which was conducted in coordination with Barangay Captain Ziffred Ancheta.

The following day, October 17, the Bayanihan Caravan in cooperation with Barangay Pinyahan's Captain Carl Lipnica delivered assistance to 750 residents of Quezon City who belong to the "Presyo Trabaho Kita/Kaayusan" (PTK) community.

Senator Alan's decade-old PTK program provides capital to sectoral cooperatives, including farmers, public transport workers, stay-at-home mothers, and youth, allowing them to establish their own low-interest loan programs, thus granting their members easy access to livelihood capital.

"Makakatulong itong financial assistance na natanggap ko sa transportation ko bilang isang employee," Jona Lacandazo, one of the beneficiaries, said as she thanked the two senators.

Princess Acedera, another beneficiary, said she will use the aid she received for her tuition and school supplies.

On the last day of the activity, October 19, a total of 500 selected micro-entrepreneurs in Parañaque got aid from the Bayanihan Caravan team.

The disbursement was conducted in cooperation with former Barangay BF Homes Captain Jeremy Marquez, together