Tingog gives P5K cash aid to 2K trike, jeep drivers, fisherfolk, other sectors in Zambales’ 2nd district
IN partnership with the Marcos administration through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Offices of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Tingog party-list extended P5,000 cash assistance to each of the 2,000 tricycle and jeepney drivers, fisherfolks, and other sectors from the 2nd District of Zambales.
The significant initiative was realized through the collaboration with the Office of Zambales 2nd District Rep. Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz held at the Botolan People’s Plaza, Botolan. Tingog Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, chairperson of the House committee on accounts, graced the event to engage with constituents from the municipalities within the district.
The event saw the presence of several key stakeholders, including Nanay Bing, DSWD Regional Director Jonathan Dirain, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Mayor of Municipality of Iba Irene Maniquiz-Binan, Mayor of Municipality of Botolan Jun Omar Ebdane, councilors, and captains of barangays in the 2nd District of Zambales. The event were enhanced by a vibrant performance by local orchestra, drum and trumpets corps, and performances from the youth of the district including from the LGBTQ community and Aeta indigenous group.
A total of 2,000 beneficiaries from the sectors of tricycle and jeepney drivers, fisherfolks, LGBTQ, solo parents, and senior citizens from the municipalities of Iba and Botolan received financial assistance worth P5,000 each. Comedian-artist Lassy and singer Verna were also present at the event as guest performers who provided laughter to the people, transcending the event beyond its primary purpose of providing financial support to individuals in need.
In her opening remarks, Mayor Maniquiz-Binan expressed gratitude on behalf of her constituents especially for the indigent sectors for the aid that they received.
“Nagpapasalamat kami na ang bayan ng Iba ang isa sa mga natayuan ng Alagang Tingog Center (ATC), at sa dagdag tulong na inyong binahagi,” the Mayor Maniquiz-Binan said. For his part, Mayor Ebdane also provided his appreciation to Tingog because the citizens of Botolan will benefit significantly.
“Maraming salamat po sa Tingog Party-list para sa mga ibinibigay ninyong tulong, para sa mga kababayan natin sa Botolan,” the municipal head said. Gov. Ebdane, in his message, underlined the fortune that the whole province holds because of Tingog’s presence therein.
“Una tayo sa mga nabiyayaan ng Tingog Party-list, Dahil kay Nanay Bing, nailapit ang Zambales sa Tingog Party-list,” Gov. Ebdane said.
“Magpasalamat tayo dahil may boses na tayo sa Kongreso at national government,” he added. Nanay Bing considered Tingog Party-list as an answer to her prayers. “Noong nalaman ko po na pupunta si Cong. Yedda sa lalawigan, hindi ko maipaliwanag ang aking pakiramdam.”
She said that in the face of calamities and hardships in life, Tingog was among those who responded first so she encouraged the people that as an act of thanks, they remember Tingog Party-list.
“Hindi po maririnig ni Speaker ang palakpak natin, pero sa darating na eleksyon, mararamdaman nila ang suporta. Kaya i-manifest natin na tatlong tao na ang bababa,” she said.
Nanay Bing also mentioned the signing of Memorandum of Agreement between the DSWD and mayors of the municipalities of the 2nd District to streamline the process of delivering services to local government units (LGUs). ”
’’Yan po ang kagandahaan ng nagtutulungan,” Nanay Bing added. Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome that Botolan and Iba offered during the event. Moreover, Rep. Romualdez said that Zambales is close to her heart as her family is a devotee of the Ina ng Poong Bato.
“Nandito ang Tingog Party-list para magsilbi sa inyo because we are a working party-list,” Rep. Romualdez said as she recalled the damage that was done in Zambalez by Bagyong Dodong during which Tingog responded immediately. “Ang Tingog Party-list hindi lang tuwing eleksyon sumusulpot, palagi po kaming nasa tabi ninyo,” the congresswoman said.
She also mentioned the established 7 ATCs in the district. “Ang serbisyo ng Tingog Party-list ay laging bukas para sa inyo.” Mang Lelan Castillo, a local fisherman said he will use the financial assistance to repair his boat.
“Malaking tulong po ito sa amin kasi mahirap manghuli [ng isda], maganda itong ginagawa ng party-list na ito,” he said.
Aside from the financial assistance, beneficiaries also received raffle prizes such as grocery packages, rice sacks, appliances, bikes, and 2 motorcycles as the grand prize.
Speaker Romualdez and Rep. Romualdez and Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre reaffirmed their dedication to reach communities in the country, ensuring that government services are readily accessible to all communities.
