VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — Some 1,000 individuals in this province received P5,000 assistance from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

It was made possible through the initiative of the office of Senator Robinhood Padilla.

The recipients of the aid are the residents affected by Super Typhoon Egay from the first district of the province with 500 individuals from this severely hit city.

The distribution was conducted at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center on Tuesday, September 19.

Emilia de Peralta, beneficiary from Barangay Rizal in Santa town said she will use the assistance for a fresh start as a food vendor.  

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa DSWD dito sa P5,000 na natanggap namin, makakatulong ito sa pamumuhay namin,” she said.

Ilocos Sur Governor Jerry Singson, Virgilio Cariño -consultant of the senator, Mayor Jose Bonito Singson, Jr., and some Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members attended the activity.

Mayor Singson thanked the office of the senator and said, “Ito po ay isa lang ang layunin, para po makabalik tayo sa normal nating pamumuhay sa kabila ng mga kalamidad kaya malaking tulong po itong mga natatanggap natin.”

Moreover, Governor Singson said, “Lahat po ng maaari nating hingan ng tulong lalapitan po natin dahil nakita ko kung gaano po kayo nahirapan -kung gaano kalupit ang dinanas ninyo sa bagyong Egay. Makakaasa po kayong lahat na sama-sama tayong babangon.”

Meanwhile, the Philippine Statistics Authority Ilocos Sur joined the activity to provide their service for those who have not yet registered to the Philippine Identification System or National ID. (JCR/MJTAB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)