A total of 3,000 beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in three municipalities in the province received financial aid from the Office of Senator Imee Marcos yesterday, April 12, 2023.

Personally visiting the towns of Silang, Naic, and Tanza, Senator Imee Marcos distributed financial aid in the amount of three thousand pesos (Php 3,000) each to beneficiaries of the program such as senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who do not receive any stipend or are not beneficiaries of the 4Ps program of the DSWD; members of the Solo Parents sector with which the DSWD program had not been funded; and the marginalized sector such as drivers, fishermen, and farmers who are having difficulty with their livelihood. During her meeting with members of the media, the lawmaker said that besides collaborating with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Cavite for the provision of fish nets, fishing equipment, and motorized bancas, the Office of the Senator will also provide five million pesos (Php5M) funds for the KADIWA enhanced grant Agri Tayo program for each LGU to help the farmers and fisherfolks in the development of alternative livelihood such as food processing to better market their products.

Sen. Marcos explained that requests must come from the local government for programs that are appropriate and needed for each municipality.

“Ang local government ang nag re-request, kasi minsan sa national government kung anu-ano ang ipinadadala e hindi naman angkop para sa lugar o hindi naman yun ang prayoridad,” said the senator.

Adding to this, the senator said that cold storage would be useful, especially for storing fish catch or even farm produce like onions and other agri products, as well as vehicles such as delivery or reefer van to transport the farm produce to markets outside the province.

Senator Imee Marcos gladly accommodated the questions from the members of the media and even disclosed her insight on the vicious cycle of rice importation happening in the country and suggested the proper analysis using the right data from the government agencies concerned to address the problem of rice farming.

In closing, the senator revealed that she is running for re-election in 2025 and expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome always extended to her by the Caviteños.(MARGIE BAUTISTA)