There are 4,726 vulnerable individuals in Alaminos City who received various assistance and non-food items both at Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center and Alaminos National High School on 09 June 2021.
These vulnerable individuals who received financial assistance include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, individuals with terminal illness, out-of-school youth, children at risk, women or children in difficult circumstances, boatmen/fishermen, solo parents, and others in need.
This concerted effort of the national and local government was spearheadedP by DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, DSWD Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan, and City Government officials of Alaminos led by Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste.
Officials who were also present include Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Lambino, 5th District Congressman Ramon Guico and former City Mayor Arthur Celeste representing 1st District Congressman Arnold Celeste.
“We should always count our blessings or give value to any help given, considering that there are other people in lockdown, those areas with number of deaths or got sick, anuman ang kalagayan natin sa ngayon, magpasalamat tayo (in whatever circumstance we are in, we must be thankful),” said Secretary Bautista.
“Magpasalamat tayo sa pagkakasama at pagsasalo natin ngayon na kabilang ang ating mga pinunong tumitingin at nakikinig sa mga boses nating nangangailangan (We are thankful of this assembly and fellowship with our leaders who ensure that voices of those in need are heard and considered),” Secretary Bautista further mentioned.
As among the services of DSWD, the operations of the ‘Malasakit Centers’ in identified hospitals as ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for indigent patients was told. “Kami sa DSWD ay instrumento para maihatid ang tulong ng ating pamahalaan (We at DSWD are instruments to deliver assistance coming from the government),” said Secretary Bautista. Secretary Bautista also reminded the responsibility of each member of the community to mitigate COVID-19 by following the health protocol like using mask, physical distancing, and hand sanitizing.
Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan also reminded the beneficiaries to maximize use of financial assistance as this came from the tax of every Filipino. “Ito po ay tulong at kung gagamitin sa maayos ay makakatawid sa atin sa anumang ating hinaharap ngayong pandemya (This help if used wisely will go a long way in helping us overcome the effects of this pandemic),” said RD Gopalan.
Furthermore, Secretary Bautista, former Mayor Arthur Celeste, and Regional Director Marie Angela Gopalan visited the lauded Core Shelter Assistance Program (CSAP) Village at Barangay Lucap, Alaminos City. This is a joint project of the City Government of Alaminos City and DSWD during the stint of former mayor Arthur Celeste.### By: Iryn D. Cubangbang, IO II, Social Marketing Unit)
