WORKERS and indigents from different sectors expressed support to proposals of P10,000 cash assistance to every Filipino family amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Members of the “Sampung Libong Pag-Asa” campaign, an initiative of former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and member lawmakers of the Balik sa Tamang Serbisyo (BTS) movement, said the continuation of the government’s cash aid program will help them rise from poverty and build better lives.
Candy vendor Lorna Javierto, who lost her husband to Covid-19 and is now residing in a cemetery in Bulacan, said the cash assistance she received will help her sustain her children.
“Malaking tulong po sa akin ito dahil ako lang po ang naghahanapbuhay. Masusustentuhan ko na po ang pamilya ko at ang mga anak ko sa kanilang pag-aaral,” Javierto said.
(This is a big help for me because I’m alone in sustaining my family. I will now be able to sustain my children and support their studies.)
For construction worker and solo parent Regal Alcones, one of the recipients of the cash aid in Batangas, the financial assistance he received will allow him to fulfill his role as a breadwinner for his family.
“Magkakaroon na po ako ng pagkakataon gampanan ang tungkulin ko bilang haligi ng tahanan,” said Alcones, whose previous stint as a tricycle was cut short by the pandemic.
(Now, I will be able to return to my role as breadwinner.)
In Marikina, cancer patient Ma. Elena Rabela said receiving additional cash aid will allow her to secure treatment for her illness.
“Balak ko pong tahakin ang unang hakbang patungo sa panibagong buhay po,” she said. "Makakapagpagamot na po ako at magkakaroon ng pagkakataon makapagsimula ulit po.”
(I plan on taking the first step towards a new life. I will now be able to get myself treated and start again.)
Individuals from the poorest of the poor in Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Camarines Sur, Caloocan City, Marikina City, Quezon City, Taguig City, Mandaluyong City, Pateros, Sta. Rosa City in Laguna, Antipolo City in Rizal, and Ormoc City in Leyte participated in the initiative.
“Mga tunay na tao ito na tunay ang problema, na bago magkaroon ng pandemya ay hirap na at ngayon ay hirap na hirap,” Cayetano said during the livestream of their distribution activities on his official Facebook page.
(We’re talking about actual people with real problems. They were already suffering prior to the pandemic. The pandemic worsened their suffering.)
The initiative is part of the BTS movement’s campaign to provide Filipinos with cash aid to help their families purchase their basic needs and revive their sources of income amid the ongoing pandemic.
Cayetano and his allies had filed the 10k Ayuda Bill in February, aiming to expand and extend the government’s cash aid program for Filipino families.
The proposed measure was consolidated into Bayanihan, 3 but unfortunately, the provision of P10,000 for all families was not adopted.
“Ilan lang ang [nabigyan] today, at bagama’t maraming na-i-inspire na gusto ring tumulong, kailangan pa rin talaga natin itong batas na ito para lahat mabigyan,” he added.
(We were only able to give aid to a few people and while we’re inspired others to help out, we still need a law so that everyone can benefit from this program.)
Between February and April this year, the group distributed P10,000 each to a total of 38 beneficiaries from Caloocan City, Pasig City, Quezon City, and Cavite.