TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan - - A thousand tricycle drivers from the 49 barangays of this city received P3,000 each cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

No less than Senator Imee R. Marcos spearheaded the distribution of the cash assistance with City Mayor Maila Ting-Que and DSWD 2 Regional Director Lucia S. Alan. 

Sen. Marcos said the assistance is still part of the government's aid to the families affected by the pandemic and the series of calamities, especially typhoons and flooding in the past two years. 

On her part, Director Alan, who personally supervised the distribution of cash assistance at the Tuguegarao City Peoples Gymnasium, said they were able to disburse P3 million AICS fund to the beneficiaries. 

"We did a very smooth distribution to the 1,000 beneficiaries. We are sure that there will be more assistance to be given to the sectors affected by the pandemic and the calamities in our region soon," Alan said in an exclusive interview with the Philippine Information Agency Region 2. 

Mayor Ting-Que, on behalf of the trike drivers, expressed her gratitude to the DSWD and to Senator Marcos for the support that they have been extending to the people of the city, especially during trying times. 

"I know and we cannot forget that you are always there to assist the city. You always extend your helping hand to us during calamities," the Mayor said. 

Ting-Que also stressed the significant role of tricycle drivers in the development and economic growth of the city as the primary transport vehicle around the city.

Jeff Allam, one of the recipients of the cash assistance, was very thankful for the government's aid especially these days when oil prices remain high and so with other basic commodities. (OTB/PIA Region 2)