A total of 601 Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) recipients from Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur received cash assistance amounting to a total of PhP 2 Million on 8-11 June 2021.

The LAG distribution is spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 – Sustainable Livelihood Program in coordination with the Local Government of Sta. Lucia.

One of the beneficiaries of the said town is Ma. Angel Gea Castillo, a 22-year-old solo parent and a 3rd year college student.

“Madalang na po ang pagtratrabaho namin sa bukid dahil sa pandemic kaya hirap akong matustusan ang mga pangagailangan naming mag-ina. Four years old lang po ang anak ko kaya napakalaking tulong nitong LAG (We work at the farm rarely because of the pandemic, hence, it is hard for me to support our needs. My child is only four years old that is why LAG is a big help for us),” said Castillo.

Meanwhile, Association of Barangay Captains President Sotero R. Avila committed to provide a special prize for the first barangay that could complete the needed requirements to aid in the collection of proof of purchases on LAG utilization as part of the agency’s monitoring.

“Nakatulong ang challenge ni ABC President kasi mas mapabibilis ang LAG utilization monitoring at mas magiging responsable silang itago ang mga resibo o proof ng kanilang pinagbilhan (ABC President’s challenge is a great help to speed up our LAG utilization monitoring. Our beneficiaries would also be more responsible in keeping their receipts or proof of purchases),” said Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Evelyn Gabatin-Acosta.

LAG is one of the recovery and rehabilitation programs of the government which primarily aims to aid low income families or those coming from the informal sector who lost their livelihood due to the community quarantine. (by: Radz Bismonte, Social Marketing Officer, Sustainable Livelihood Program)