DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) -- A total of 600 indigent families from Dagupan City received cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (DSWD-AICS) program, a government effort that provides financial assistance and support services to individuals in need.
Senator Francis Tolentino, in coordination with Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez, led the distribution of P2,000 to each beneficiary, who was randomly selected from every barangay and not from specific sectors, on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at the CSI Stadia in Barangay Lucao.
Moreover, some beneficiaries received appliances, bags of rice, and grocery packs as part of the raffle promo from the office of Sen. Tolentino; six indigent patients received wheelchairs; and free legal assistance was also provided during the payout.
Meanwhile, Tolentino expressed his willingness to provide assistance to the city’s health services.
“I also want to help or support the health services of Dagupan City. This is the kind of assistance I should focus on for the city,” Tolentino said.
He said that if medical equipment is needed for the city’s improved healthcare system, he is available and ready to help.
Also, he encouraged the people of Dagupan to continue helping each other and continue being united with the local government.
Meanwhile, Mayor Fernandez expressed her gratitude to Tolentino for his efforts in helping the people of Dagupan.
“I am grateful to Sen. Tolentino because even though he is far from Dagupan City, he came here to lead the AICS and distribute the raffle prizes to Dagupeños so that somehow, ease the burden of indigent families in the city,” she said.
She also said that Tolentino would like to provide more assistance to the city, particularly in terms of disaster preparedness.
Likewise, beneficiaries thanked the DSWD and the senator for the assistance they received.
Evelyn Daroy, a resident of Barangay Mamalingling, stated that she would use the cash assistance for household expenses. (JCR/MJTAB/JCDR/APG/PIA Pangasinan)
