RICKY Macapinlac of Barangay Alasas, City of San Fernando has been relying on driving his tricycle every day to earn money but since the start of Covid-19 pandemic, trips have gone slack due to lack of passengers.
"Sobrang tumal talaga dahil walang estudyante at iyong mga nagtatrabaho, marami pa ang nakawork-from-home kaya halos walang pasahero, hindi katulad nung bago magkaCovid-19," he lamented.
Due to this, Macapinlac said he has been struggling to provide for the needs of his family. Fortunately, he was among the beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's payout held last Friday, November 26.
Macapinlac was among the 2,500 residents from various barangays in the City of San Fernando who received financial assistance under the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
The two-day payout activity, held in Barangay Alasas, was facilitated by Patrol Partylist through its co-founder Raquel "Ate Kay" Pineda.
"Napakalaking bagay po nitong tulong na ito sa pangaraw-araw namin na gastusin kaya nagpapasalamat po kami sa programang ito ng DSWD at sa tulong ni Ate Kay," he said.
Meanwhile, Pineda, in her speech, expressed gratitude to DSWD for downloading their programs extending much-needed assistance to Fernandinos and other towns in Pampanga's third district.
"Nagpapasalamat din po tayo Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Senator Bong Go, at Congressman Jorge Bustos ng PATROL Party-List sa walang sawang pag-agapay sa ating mga kababayan lalong-lalo na ngayong unti-unti po tayong bumabangon mula sa pandemya," she said.
Meanwhile, aside from cash assistance, Pineda also provided separate assistance, which included personal protective equipment and new footwear to the all beneficiaries.
Pineda, who is also running for third district board member, said her donations aim to protect every Fernandinos from Covid-19, especially that they have to go outside to make a living.
Barangay Alasas Chairman Alex Mendoza, for his part, expressed gratitude to DSWD and Pineda for downloading worthwhile programs to their village.
"Napakalaking tulong nito sa bawat beneficiary. Dito lang sa barangay namin, nasa 117 ang beneficiaries pero ito hindi lang 117 na tao, kundi 117 na pamilya ang natulungan ng programa nila," he said.