By DIANN IBY CALUCIN
The local government of Caloocan City distributed rice livelihood packages to 80 beneficiaries from the informal sector at Buena Park, Caloocan City on Thursday, Dec. 29.
The distribution, held in partnership with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), aims to help the beneficiaries to raise their income, especially amid the price increase in commodities.
The city government said the beneficiaries include street vendors, garbage collectors, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the city.
“We’d like to help the informal sector, mga nagbabasura, mga vendor, pati na rin 'yung mga kababayan nating may kapansanan na kumita o makapagdagdag sa kanilang pinagkukunan ng pang araw-araw na gastusin (garbage collectors, vendors, as well as our fellow citizens with disabilities to earn for their daily expenses),” PESO Officer-in-charge Ms. Violeta Gonzales said.
Each beneficiary received three sacks containing 150 kilos of rice, a weighing scale, and plastic bags for repacking.
Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan said the city government focuses on developing more opportunities for its citizens.
“Hiling natin na makatulong po ito upang makapagsimula o makapagdagdag sa kanilang pinagkakakitaan. Tuloy-tuloy lang po tayo sa pag-agapay at pagbibigay oportunidad sa gitna ng krisis (We hope that this will add to their income. Let's continue to adapt and provide opportunities amidst the crisis),” the mayor said.
“Sa maliit nating kaparaana’y nawa’y maumpisahan ng ating mga benepisyaryo ang 2023 nang may kaginhawaan at kapanatagan na handang umalalay at patuloy na tumutugon ang pamahalaang lungsod (In our small way, may our beneficiaries begin 2023 with comfort and security),” he added.