President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led the distribution of various government assistance during his visit to Pampanga. In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said among those who received support were students, micro and small entrepreneurs, and local farmer associations. The Department of Labor and Employment-Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (DOLE-TUPAD) extended PHP1 million for San Simon town and PHP1.2 million for Minalin town. The PCO said a stipend worth PHP611,000 was also released to 140 interns under the Government Internship Program. A total of 11 Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego-Kart), worth PHP30,000 each, were distributed in addition to seven Kabuhayan (Livelihood) starter kits, also worth PHP30,000 each. Marcos likewise extended PHP68,000 worth of training support funds from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. A training support fund amounting to PHP91,350 intended for 18 organic agriculture production National Certificate 2 scholars was released. The Department of Agriculture (DA) gave financial grants under the Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance Program for Sta. Ana Multipurpose Cooperative (PHP6.8 million); Mandasig Farmers Association Inc. in Candaba (PHP4.2 million); and Vizal Sto. Nino Rice and Livestock Farmers Association, also in Candaba (PHP2.2 million). The DA likewise turned over PHP134.2 million to the province in support of the government’s rice sufficiency program. The Department of Trade and Industry released PHP190,400 livelihood assistance to 16 beneficiaries under its “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa” program; while the Small Business Corp. extended PHP6.35 million under its micro multi-purpose loan program to seven borrowers. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, on the other hand, distributed financial assistance amounting to PHP1.5 million under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program; PHP180,000 to 12 beneficiaries of the sustainable livelihood program; and PHP3,000 and family food packs to 500 beneficiaries. Marcos also visited a DOLE job fair, organized in partnership with the provincial government, Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO), and Pampanga PESO Managers Federation. Twenty local employers participated with 3,000 local job vacancies — service crews, production workers, call center agents, support staff, clerks, and encoders, among others.
Source: Philippines News Agency