Drought-stricken Zamboanga del Norte residents receive aid from the Cayetanos

 

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.###

Cayetano joins support for BEZA bill, will explain reservations

 

PRESS RELEASE

March 18, 2024

 Cayetano joins support for BEZA bill, will explain reservations

 Senator Alan Peter Cayetano joined the chamber on Monday in showing support to the creation of the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act (BEZA), a measure that seeks to establish a special ecozone to host the new airport being built in Bulacan, albeit with reservations.

This after the Senate passed on third reading Senate Bill No. 2572 or the BEZA Bill on March 18, 2024 with 22 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions.

Cayetano voted yes to the measure but said he will submit an explanation of his reservation.

Last week, he took to the floor to ask a number of clarificatory questions to Senator Grace Poe, sponsor of the Bulacan Ecozone bill.

Top of his inquiry was on the importance of having comprehensive studies and cost-benefit analyses provided by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

"I want Bulacan to develop… Ang simpleng tanong ko lang, kung walang study na scientific, [ibig sabihin] nanghuhula lang tayo. Ang problema ng Pilipinas, marami tayong shortcuts," the independent senator said during the plenary session on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Cayetano said the measure cannot assert that the Bulacan Ecozone will benefit the country without a proper study.

“I'm really curious and excited for Bulacan to have a super economic zone. On the other hand, it's the first time na y’ung buong province will be part of an economic zone so I'm a little bit concerned about the feasibility and how it will work," he explained.

Other topics that Cayetano also touched on concerned the boundary limitations of the ecozone, a balanced composition of the BEZA board, land conversions being conducted through law, and the importance of BEZA being gambling-free.

The discussion took almost three hours. Senator Francis Escudero, who joined the back and forth with Senators Poe and Cayetano, conveyed his appreciation to Cayetano at the end of their discussion.

“My sincere thanks and appreciation to the gentleman from Taguig and Pateros for his genuine concern in protecting the Filipino people and our country in preventing abuse and learning from the experiences of the past. I thank him as well because I learned a lot,” Escudero said in his closing statement on the bill last March 13, 2024.

On Monday, March 18, after the measure’s passage on the floor, Senator Grace Poe and Majority Leader Senator Joel Villanueva thanked Cayetano for his invaluable contribution in refining the measure.

“I would like to convey my gratitude to Senators Escudero, Gatchalian, and Cayetano. Special mention to Senator Cayetano for refining the bill in making sure that we read the bill not just once, twice, or three times, and adhered to many constitutional provisions,” Poe said as bill sponsor on Monday afternoon.

Villanueva, who hails from Bulacan, also thanked Cayetano for “making this bill even more responsive to the needs of our constituents.” ###

Cayetanos deliver essential aid to various sectors in NCR

Over a thousand residents of Caloocan City and the City of Manila received essential aid from the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano during two days of outreach activities on March 4 and 5, 2024.

In Caloocan City, Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and Daycare Workers —sectors that the Cayetanos have been advocating for through legislation—were given aid to address their needs.

Former Caloocan 2nd District Representative Egay Erice, who was instrumental to the success of the March 4 activity, addressed the beneficiaries and thanked the sibling-senators for extending aid to their community.

"Magpasalamat tayo kay Senator Alan Peter at Senator Pia Cayetano sa handog nila sa ating lahat. Sa kahirapan ng buhay, iyan po ay ibinibigay nang walang kapalit at ano mang kondisyon," he said.

Aside from community development workers, members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association (TODA) of Barangay 12, Caloocan City, also received assistance from the senators.

The following day in the City of Manila, 300 women residents were empowered by the Cayetanos' aid in honor of Women’s Month, a cause close to the heart of Senator Pia Cayetano.

Among the beneficiaries was Remedios De Vera, who shared that she has been caring for her child undergoing dialysis for 29 years. Due to this, she had to resign from her job and seek assistance from various government agencies and offices.

She revealed that Senator Alan never failed to assist her with their medical needs.

“Simula noong nagsimula siyang mag-dialysis, palagi akong lumalapit kay Senator Alan Cayetano at palagi naman akong hindi nabibigo dahil palagi niya akong binibigyan ng tulong,” she said.

These outreach efforts were made possible through the assistance of the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD)’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and the local government units of Caloocan City and the City of Manila.

These initiatives are part of the Cayetanos’ ongoing efforts to support marginalized communities in the country. They closely collaborate with government agencies and local units to ensure that Filipinos in need receive necessary assistance. ###

Women, health workers, MSMEs thank Senators Alan and Pia for timely assistance

 

PRESS RELEASE

March 5, 2024

 Women, health workers, MSMEs thank Senators Alan and Pia for timely assistance

  A total of 1,000 beneficiaries from the province of Rizal received vital and timely assistance from the offices of Senators Alan and Pia Cayetano on March 4, 2024. 

Celebrating Women’s month, the office of Senator Pia gave aid to women and bolstered the health sector in Antipolo City.

“As barangay health worker po na nakatanggap po ng pinansyal, malaking bagay po ito para sa amin. Salamat po sa patuloy na kalinga sa BSW [Barangay Health Worker],” said Analiza Cabahug, one of the 500 beneficiaries from the event in Antipolo City.

As a health worker, Analiza is responsible for ensuring that the children in their community receive vitamins on time and monitor their height and weight. The aid she received is vital and helpful to her work, she said.

Cedie Ampol, another barangay health worker in Antipolo City, said the assistance will help her start up a sari-sari store.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Pia at Senator Alan sa pagbigay sa amin, kahit papaano ay makatulong sa pamilya namin. Sa ganitong program, marami silang natutulungan, hindi lang sa amin, sa ibang tao rin,” he said.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owners also benefited as the office of Senator Alan provided necessary assistance to a total of 500 beneficiaries in Rizal Province, enabling them to increase and improve their livelihood.

The recent disbursement activity was done in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

AICS aims to provide timely and vital support to people in a difficult situation, aiding their recovery during challenging times.

The recent disbursement activity in Antipolo City and Rizal province were made successful due to the extended efforts and participation of Rizal Province Governor Nina Ynares, Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares, Councilor Susan Say, and Former Mayor Andrea "Andeng" Ynares.

This is not the first time the sibling senators have reached Antipolo City and Rizal province. Last month, more than 2,000 residents in Rizal Province also received vital aid to boost their livelihood.###

TESDA grads thank Sen Alan Peter Cayetano and wife Pia for support

 

PRESS RELEASE

February 15, 2024

 TESDA grads thank Sen Alan Peter Cayetano and wife  Pia for support

 Graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) Bread and Pastry Production NCII from Caloocan City thanked Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano for the support they received.

“Nabigyan po kami ng new learnings para makapag-trabaho sa labas ng comfort zone namin,” said Rogie Ganituen, one of the 50 students who graduated on February 13, 2024 at the Integrated Innovation and Hospitality (IIH) Colleges Inc.

“Sa pag-aaral ko po, na-apply ko po 'yung BPP [Bread and Pastry Production]… Thank you so much for giving us out this opportunity, na nabigyan kami ng scholarships sa course na 'to,” he added.

TESDA held the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) in partnership with the Cayetano siblings. STEP is a community-based program that enhances students' employability and productivity by offering targeted skills training in entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities.

Under STEP, scholars go through four phases of training: Qualification, Competency Standards, Training Standards, and National Assessment and Certification.

Scholars enrolled in this program receive tool kits – including an oven and mixer – and a training allowance which serve as seed capital to start their livelihood endeavors.

Another scholar, Maila Altar, said the course was timely as the price of flour-based food has increased.

“Mahal na po kasi ang presyo ng mga bilihin, lalo na sa mga cakes and breads, mas makakamura kami kasi nakapag-aral kami. Malaking tulong po sa akin ‘yung Bread and Pastry,” she said.

“Ang tulong na ibinigay sa amin ng mga Cayetano… 'yung tool kit po at oven with mixer,” she added.

The training and graduation were made successful due to the support and efforts of the Assessment Center Manager at IIH Colleges Rosel Dela Cruz, Officer in Charge of IIH College Arjade Bocay, and TESDA Trainer and Assessor Les Navarro.

As gifts for the scholars, the sibling senators gave them with Cayetano in Action aprons upon receiving their certificates.

As advocates of technical education, the Cayetano siblings have supported TESDA students in various cities, recently providing allowances and tool kits to Malabon students during their training.

Senator Alan has recognized the significance of TESDA certification in advancing technical education, which leads to a more progressive nation.###

CAYETANO: TRUST IN THE WORD OF GOD AMIDST CONSTITUTIONAL TURMOIL

JANUARY 30, 2024

Press Release

 On Monday, National Bible Day, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano led the prayer at the opening of the Senate plenary session as the Senate continues to resist the push to amend the Constitution through a People’s Initiative (PI).

 "When we place our trust in the word of GOD, there is no disappointment," Cayetano said, emphasizing the importance of faith as the country grapples with a constitutional crisis, with the Senate and the House of Representatives at odds over constitutional amendments. Cayetano previously asserted the importance of carefully discussing any proposed amendment to the Constitution, noting that the Filipino people would ultimately bear the brunt of such changes. ###

Cayetano urges TESDA: Educate Filipinos on value of technical vocation

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday urged the leaders of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to help communicate to the public the value of TESDA certification and how, like a college degree, it can help them succeed in life.

“The greatest hindrance of technical vocation in the Philippines is may pagka-matapobre pa rin tayo kapag walang diploma,” the independent senator said during the hearing on TESDA’s proposed 2024 budget on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

“Even if may diploma ka, we tend to look at the name of the school and the country where we graduated,” he added.

Cayetano said the problem lies in the lingering mentality among Filipinos that TESDA mostly caters to college drop-outs and out-of-school youth. 

“If we do not fight the mentality or stigma, ano ang lumalabas? Tatanungin ang bata, ‘Anong gusto mo maging?’ [The child will answer] ‘E ‘di mag college.’ [But then the child will be told] ‘Eh paano kung magdrop-out ka na, mag-TESDA ka na lang!’” he said.

‘Hindi dapat ganon,” he added, urging TESDA to help educate Filipinos about the value of technical education.

 “Baka your job is not only educating those who want to have skills but educating all Filipinos that we are human beings and the diplomas are just certifications of what we can do. We can actually be non-schooled,” he said.

To elaborate his point, Cayetano cited prominent people such as the late Senator Blas Ople, the late Apple founder Steve Jobs, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates who were successful in life despite dropping out of college.

He also gave Germany as an example of a country where students can work in big companies while they are still in high school.

“Sa Germany, kahit high school [student] ay nasa accounting department na ng malaking kumpanya at nag-apprentice sa banks. No one will doubt the quality of the banking and the car industry in Germany,” he said.

Cayetano said this change in belief and mentality should be inculcated in everyone,  particularly students who may aspire for non-traditional career tracks. 

“Dapat from elementary to high school pa lang, kapag sinabi ng mga bata ‘Gusto ko maging magaling sa automotive,’ [someone will ask] ‘Saan mo gusto?’ [and the child will reply] ‘Gusto ko sa TESDA!” he said.

Wrapping up his manifestation, Cayetano expressed his “support to the TESDA family” as it works to improve the quality of technical education in the country as well as the mindset of the people about TESDA diplomas. ###