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PRESS RELEASE
April 2, 2024
Drought-stricken Zamboanga del Norte residents receive aid from the Cayetanos
In the midst of the region's severe drought, Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano provided assistance to 1,000 residents of Zamboanga del Norte on March 26 and 27, 2024.
Recipients of the senators' Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program during the two-day aid distribution included members of the transportation sector, farmers, and owners of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Florife Baaclo, a widow and a former barangay councilor, expressed her gratitude to the senators and said the assistance was a big help, especially since they were affected by the high temperatures and lack of jobs.
"Malaking tulong ito, dahil naapektuhan kami ng mataas na init at wala rin kaming hanapbuhay. Maraming Salamat po," she said.
In order to support the recipients' livelihoods throughout the severe drought, the distribution—which was held at the Kalawit Municipality Gymnasium in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government of Kalawit—arranged help stations that met the beneficiaries' urgent needs.
Among the attendees were Kalawit Mayor Salvador Antojado and his wife Arcel Antojado, who conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the assistance and said the AICS program will help the community cope with the challenges posed by the El Niño Phenomenon.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating mga butihing senador dahil ipinarating ninyo sa amin ang tulong. Ito ang totoong krisis, ang nangyari sa Kalawit dahil sa El Nino Phenomenon,” the mayor said.
“Ang Kalawit po ang isa sa pinakamahirap na bayan ng Zamboanga del Norte, malayo po kami sa kapitolyo, aking pong paggalang sa inyo,” he added.
As strong advocates for the betterment of Filipino livelihoods, the Cayetanos continuously push for direct distribution of assistance to local government units and families in need even in the most remote areas of the country.
Over three months, the AICS Program has benefited more than 6,000 individuals nationwide.###
