Press Release - More than 2,000 Rizal residents receive assistance from Senators Alan and Pia

It was an extended Valentine's Day celebration as a total of 2,364 people from various sectors in Rizal received vital assistance from the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano.

In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, the offices of the siblings senators provided financial assistance to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on February 14, 15, and 16 to solo parents, and female sectors to boost their livelihood.

One of the beneficiaries, Olivia Papagayo of Angono, said the aid she received on Valentine's Day was helpful not just for her family but for her community as well.

"Salamat po kay Senator Pia at Senator Alan Cayetano... Ito po ay aking gagamitin sa pang-araw-araw din po naming pangangailangan, pati na rin po sa pag-aaral ng aking anak," she said.

"Si Senator Pia ay parati kong nakikita na parating tumutulong sa mga kababaihan at mga mahihirap. Kay Senator Alan naman po, nagpapasalamat po ako sa tulong na ibinigay niya dito sa Angono," she added.

The success of the disbursement was due to the participation and efforts of Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon, Vice Mayor Gerry Calderon, and Head of Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) Ms. Luisita Vestra.

"Senator Alan, Senator Pia, maraming-maraming salamat po sa bibiyang ipinagkaloob niyo sa sa aming mga senior," said widow Erlinda Bendaña, one of 1,000 beneficiaries who received assistance on February 15.

"Bilang isang ina, mahirap po sa mahirap. Doon po sa matatanggap ko [livelihood assistance], magagamit po sa aming pangangailangan at pangkabuhayan," she added.

The success of the assistance programs in Tanay and Taytay were attributable to the efforts and participation of Tanay Mayor Rafael Tanjuatco, Tanay Vice Mayor Rex Manuel Tanjuatco, and Brecia Joy G. Monie from MSWDO.

Taytay Mayor Allan Martine De Leon, along with Barangay Captain Reinier Pacleb, and Barangay Kagawads Michael Catapusan, Mitch Policarpio, Ysh Cruz, Ronnie Taronek, and Tess Arriola also played significant roles in ensuring the success of the program.

Mayor Tanjuatco thanked the Cayetanos for their