THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with Patrol Partylist, recently distributed financial aid to disadvantaged residents of Arayat town.

Patrol Partylist co-founder and aspiring third district Board Member Raquel "Ate Kay" Pineda, together with DSWD employees, facilitated the distribution of cash assistance to the beneficiaries.

Pineda said a total of 2,240 residents from different barangays in Arayat received the assistance through DSWD's Assistance to Individuals/Families in Crisis Situation (AICS).

Among the beneficiaries, Pineda said, are members of vulnerable groups namely senior citizens, students, and tricycle drivers.

"Ito po ay karagdagan na tulong sa ating mga kababayan dito sa sa Arayat na nangangailangan ng agarang assistance para po sa gamutan, pag-aaral o sa pag-access sa mga basic needs," she said.

Aside from cash assistance, beneficiaries also received personal protective equipment, such as face masks, and slippers from Pineda.

"Itong PPE ay kasama na sa basic needs natin araw-araw kailangan suot natin kaya nagbigay po tayo ngayon para makabawas na sa gastusin ng pamilya. Siyempre ganun din ang tsinelas," she added.

Meanwhile, the aspiring board member also vowed to continue partnering with national government agencies through Patrol Partylist to provide the needed assistance of kabalens in the province's third district.

She said extending assistance to marginalized Kapampangans has long been her advocacy being a former president of Rotary Club Central Pampanga, co-founder of Patrol Partylist and if given a chance, as member of the provincial board.

Pineda is PDP-Laban's standard bearer for third district board member in the upcoming May 2022 elections.