VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – Some 1,579 Ilocos residents in “crisis situation” received cash aid worth P5,000 each through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Senator Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos led the distribution of financial assistance to the beneficiaries from the first and second districts of the province on March 3.

The AICS recipients include indigent women, solo parents, and parents of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

One of them was Charito Tacata, 48, a solo parent here.

She is unemployed and lives with her two children – a grade school student and a nurse attendant at a private hospital.

She said since her husband died and even if they have a small sari-sari store, it has been difficult for her to provide for her family raising their children on her own especially with the challenges brought about by Covid-19 pandemic.

“Gusto ko sana kunin ang pagkakataon na ito upang magpasalamat sa DSWD at sa provincial government sa walang humpay na pagbibigay nila ng tulong lalo na sa amin na walang permanenteng hanapbuhay,” she said.

Tacata said the government has always been generous in providing assistance to her, as a solo parent, and her family through various programs.

“Itong assistance na natanggap namin ay ibinayad ko sa tuition fee ng anak ko at iyong natira ay ipinang-grocery namin,” she ended.

On the other hand, Senator Marcos assured her continuous support to the Ilocos Surians, through various programs contributing to economic recovery and development.

"Love begets love, and charity always begins at home – here in Vigan City and in Ilocos Sur," Marcos said. (JCR/MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)