GMMM distributes P 98 million aid to barangay workers, PUV drivers anew

Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc led the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, through the Office of Barangay Affairs (OBA) and Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC), in distributing cash assistance to barangay workers and Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers in the province.

A total of P 45 million was allocated for the 15,000 beneficiaries of the "Manayon a Tulong Pasada" program, while P 53, 613,000.00 was funneled for 17,871 barangay workers.

The distribution of assistance to barangay workers is an annual program of PGIN for local officials, giving P 3,000.00 and food packs to each beneficiary, to recognize their efforts in sustaining development and ensuring that PGIN services reaches the grassroot communities.

Today, January 16, OBA conducted distribution in the municipalities of Currimao and Pinili, while MINC distributed assistance in Badoc and Pinili.

Gov. Marcos Manotoc expressed his gratitude to all barangay officials and assured to support their projects and development initiatives, saying:

"Talagang grateful po kami sa mga ginagawa niyo kasi kayo po ang ating mga bayani, kayo po ang leaders ng grassroots. Kung wala po kayo hindi kami makakagawa ng magandang trabaho.

Rest assured, yung mga proyekto niyo para sa inyo mga barangay, [from] infra[structure] to livelihood, nandito lang po ako at pwede niyo po ideretso ang inyong mga requests sa akin."

Moreover, Ms. Gema Fernando, the former Association of Barangay Council president of Currimao, thanked the Governor for his yearly support to Barangay frontliners and officials.

"Every year po na may binibigay ang PGIN, headed Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, at ang incentive na ito ay malaking tulong po para sa pang-araw-araw ng ating mga frontliners," Ms. Fernando said.

Meanwhile, the "Manayon a Tulong Pasada" is a cash assistance program of the Provincial Government that aims to support the livelihood of PUV drivers amid the constant increase of prices in fuel products.

Every beneficiary received P 3,000.00 each, with some receiving a long-sleeved t-shirt and a bucket hat.

Mr. Eddie Molina, a tricycle driver from Badoc, Ilocos Norte, said that this is a big help and would serve as additional income to provide for his family's needs.

"Malaking tulong po sa ito amin sir Governor at sana po tuloy-tuloy po ang programa niyo na ito," he said.

On the other hand, Gov. Marcos Manotoc guarantees to continue to support all Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Associations (TODA) in the province, saying:

"Napakahalaga po ng ginagawa niyo, pag walang TODA, wala pong pasok, walang trabaho, at walang progreso kaya sigurado [na] tuloy-tuloy po ang aming suporta sainyo."

These development initiatives are a testament to the sustained commitment of the Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, to offering more inclusive programs to sustain the livelihoods of the Ilokano people, especially during times of crises.