Beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, are calling for more support from the government.
Specifically, they want additional livelihood assistance to meet their families' needs and faster delivery of services for those affected by crises and past calamities.
Norma Ventura is thankful for the support she receives from the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) for her grandchildren. However, she and others are struggling with rising living costs and hope for more substantial help.
"Siyempre yung binibigay ng 4Ps… para may tulong sa amin na pambuhay sa mga apo ko," Ventura said.
Another recipient, Vilma Bautista, echoes Ventura’s sentiments.
"Sana dagdagan pa yung natatanggap namin kasi sa mahal ng bilihin — pamahal ng pamahal — parang kumukulang na… sana makatanggap kami ng kabuhayan kapag nagtapos na kami," she said.
ASSISTANCE
According to the DSWD Region 1, the government is focused on enhancing disaster response and providing food packs to local government units during emergencies.
In 2024, nearly 70,000 prepositioned goods are ready in regional and satellite warehouses across Region 1. The department has also provided benefits to 306,980 individuals through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
Lea Mylen Lucero, Division Chief of the Disaster Response Management Division at DSWD-1, said AICS offers aid for education, medical, transportation, burial, and food needs.
Lucero said being a 4Ps beneficiary does not exclude individuals from accessing additional AICS benefits.
Under the Marcos' administration, DSWD said it is committed to implementing programs aimed at assisting impoverished Filipinos.
"Dito sa Region 1 ang ini-implement palang ay AKAP or ayuda para sa mga kapos ang kita program. Ito ay katulad ng AICS na nagbibigay ng tulong pinansiyal," Lucero said.
"Gayunpaman, ang AKAP ay limitado lamang para sa mga indibidwal na kabilang sa mababang kita na hi-hindi hihigit sa itinakdang minimum na sahod [o] minimum wage," she added.
