A TOTAL of P2.9 million in trisikad and food carts (rolling store) were allocated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to trisikad drivers and vendors of Bacolod this week.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia led the distribution of the first batch of Livelihood Assistance Grant to 63 beneficiaries of trisikad and 15 beneficiaries of food carts from various barangays at turnover rites at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds Wednesday, December 9.
Assisting Leonardia at the turnover rites were DSWD-Sustainability Livelihood Program provincial coordinator Emily Apostol, DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program team leader Ramon Rufon, City Administrator Em Ang, and Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD)-Bacolod head Pacita Tero.
In addressing the beneficiaries, Leonardia reminded them to observe health protocols while earning a living.
"The most important thing is for everyone to wear face masks and face shields. It is stipulated under our ordinance and for the safety of both you and your passengers," the mayor told the trisikad drivers.
Leonardia also reminded everyone: "This Christmas, the best gift you can give to yourself, your loved ones, and your family is to observe health protocols."
The 63 beneficiaries of one trisikad each were from Barangays 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 28, 30, 31, 33, 35, 36, Alijis and Banago. The 15 beneficiaries of one food cart each were from Barangays 3, 6, 17, 19, 26, 32, Alijis, Banago, Estefania, and Granada.
The 63 trisikads cost P630,000, while the 15 food carts cost P225,000 or a total of P855,000.
More beneficiaries are set to receive the livelihood assistance on Friday, December 11. There will be 49 beneficiaries from Barangays Bata, Felisa, Handumanan, Mansilingan, Punta Taytay, Singcang-Airport, Sum-ag, Taculing, and Tangub who will receive one trisikad each, with a total cost of P490,000.
Also, there will also be 19 beneficiaries from Barangays Handumanan, Mandalagan, Mansilingan, Singcang-Airport, Sum-ag, Taculing, Villamonte, and Vista Alegre who will receive one food cart each, with a total cost of P285,000.
The 49 trisikads and 19 food carts cost P775,000.
The DSSD said they were scheduled to distribute other livelihood projects to 197 beneficiaries from various barangays amounting to P1,355,000 on Thursday, December 10.
The livelihood assistance for three days amounts to P2,985,000.
"I hope that this program will give you the light and hope in your daily lives especially in this pandemic," Apostol said.
Tero has a message for trisikad driver-beneficiaries: "In this time of pandemic, this will be a really big help to Bacolodnons and their families. But you have to stay away from the national highway or else, your trisikad will be confiscated once you are caught by the BTAO (Bacolod Traffic Authority Office) traffic enforcers." (PR)