Sixty-four Bacolod residents received financial assistance from former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano through his “Sari-Saring Pag-asa” and “Sampung Libong Pag-asa” programs on Thursday, October 21.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia distributed the financial help to recipients in ceremonies held at the Bacolod City Government Center, a press release from the Bacolod City Public Information Office said.
Twenty sari-sari store owners received P3,500 each, while 11 pasalubong store owners got P10,000 each and 33 students were also given P10,000 each.
Leonardia thanked Cayetano, of the First District of Taguig-Pateros, for choosing Bacolodnons as among the beneficiaries of his twin programs.
“You are the lucky ones to have been chosen as program beneficiaries. Make sure that this assistance is put to good use. We highly appreciate the generosity and kind heart of Speaker Cayetano,” the mayor told the recipients.
Assisting the mayor in the distribution were Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and Calvine Evangelista, political officer of Cayetano.
Also present were Councilor Renecito Novero, Councilor Carl Lopez, Councilor Ayesha Villaflor, and Grupo Progreso members Ed Guillem, Cashmere Montalvo, Marlon Solidum, and Dr. Chris Sorongon.
For 20-year-old Jerlyn Malagsic, a student of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation and a resident of Barangay Handumanan, the help from Cayetano came just right on time because her parents are currently unemployed.
“I am very blessed to be a part of this program. This shows that the former House Speaker truly loves the Bacolodnons,” Malagsic said.
Another student, Brandon Galicia, 26, an Information Technology major, also thanked Cayetano for his support to a working student like him.
Cayetano and his allies at the House recently launched the “Sampung Libong Pag-asa” and pushed for the “10K Ayuda Bill” for each family to buy food, pay water and electric bills, or start a small business.*