For Arayat Solo Parent Association President Agnes David, the help their group received from the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano was a huge boost to meet their needs.
“Napakalaking bagay po ito. Para sa iba, ibibigay nila itong tulong para sa mga nag-aaral nilang anak. Iba naman para sa medical assistance dahil mayroon tayong solo parents na may karamdaman. Sa iba naman po, gagamitin nilang pang puhunan para sa ganoon ay maitaguyod nila ang kanilang pamilya,” she explained.
David is one of the 517 Kapampangans from the municipality of Arayat who were reached by the sibling senators’ offices through two impactful events on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
The event was accomplished by the Cayetano team through the initiative of Arayat Mayor Maria Lourdes “Madir” Alejandrino in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
In the morning, the Arayat Sports Complex was transformed into a hub of hope as the Cayetano team led the provision of livelihood assistance to 500 beneficiaries who were predominantly solo parents and Nanay Community Workers (NCWs).
Representing NCWs, Roalyn de Vera, who is Vice President of the Arayat group, said the assistance they received felt like a return of favor for all the help they have given to the community.
“Matatag ang aming grupo dahil almost 10 years na kami as volunteers. Tumutulong kami sa mga na sakuna, sa may sakit, lalo na sa cancer patients. Marami na kaming napa-opera,” de Vera said about the local NCW group.
“Malaking tulong ito sa amin bilang volunteers. Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng ibinigay niyo sa amin. Sana po ipagpatuloy ninyo. God bless!” she added as a message to the senators.
The activity was done by the Cayetano team through DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program. Along with Mayor Alejandrino, Arayat Councilor Edith Cabigting joined the event.
Cayetanos provide toolkits to 17 Arayat TESDA scholars
Later in the day, the Cayetano team went to St. Isidore “The Farmer” Learning Center, Inc. in nearby municipality Santa Ana where they hosted the handover of toolkits to 17 Arayat scholars who recently celebrated their completion of Shielded Metal Arc NC II qualification.
TESDA Pampanga Provincial Director Eric Euda was there to give practical tips on how the scholars can start anew in their vocation.
“Pagkuha ng tool kits na ito, gamitin ninyo sa bahay kung hindi pa kayo employed. O kaya gumawa na kayo ng employment at mangontrata sa pagwewelding sa mga bahay, sa barangay ninyo. O kaya pwede ninyong gamitin upang mapaigi ang inyong skills sa welding,” Euda said.
“Kami po ay nagagalak sa ngayong araw na ito ay makukuha ninyo ang tool kits, at syempre dahil sa suporta nina Senador Alan Peter at Pia Cayetano,” he added.
Also present in the ceremony was Barangay San Isidro Barangay Captain Carmen Cordova. The program ended in the symbolic handover of toolkits, marking not only the acquisition of skills but of a new journey in their trade unto sustainable living.
Through collaborative efforts with government agencies, the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano continue to visit areas across the nation to uplift and build communities.
