Government agencies extended various forms of aid to more than 3,200 Romblomanons on Friday, September 13, during the “PBBM's HANDOG NG PANGULO: Serbisyong Tapat Sapat Para sa Lahat” caravan in Looc, Romblon. This event, organized in celebration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s birthday, was part of a nationwide initiative aimed at providing essential services and assistance to the public.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) helped over 1,789 low-income earners through its Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, distributing at least P5,000 in cash aid to each beneficiary to address their financial needs. Additionally, 698 parents and guardians of senior high school students at Looc National High School received P3,000 each under DSWD's Tulong Eskwela Program, aimed at providing educational support to their families.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also participated, releasing payouts to 178 beneficiaries of its TUPAD Program (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers). These beneficiaries worked for 15 days maintaining local roads and earned P395 per day, for a total of P5,925. In total, DOLE Romblon distributed P1,054,650 in wages for TUPAD workers.
Beyond this, DOLE provided over P3.2 million in livelihood assistance to six farmers' and fisherfolk associations from Santa Maria, Romblon, and to 46 parents of child laborers profiled by the agency, to support their sustainable livelihoods.
The Technical Education And Skills Development Authority in Romblon, led by Acting Provincial Director Engr. Lynette Gatarin, distributed educational allowances totaling P74,400 to 25 scholars enrolled in Automotive Servicing NC1 training.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) provided P1.16 million worth of seeds and farm tools to farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) supported micro-businesses by issuing certificates of registration to several Barangay Micro Business Enterprises, helping small local businesses to formalize and grow.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also awarded scholarships to 24 Romblomanon students, further strengthening educational opportunities for the youth. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., along with Romblon Lone District Representative Eleandro Madrona and other provincial officials, witnessed the distribution of aid.
Solidum emphasized that government agencies are working together to address the needs of Romblomanons in areas such as health, education, economic development, and disaster risk reduction. He also encouraged the public to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to them, underscoring the role of cooperation in achieving progress and development in this ‘Bagong Pilipinas'.
