Over 600 vendors receive aid from DSWD

DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian administered the distribution of livelihood settlement grants on Friday, March 15, to small-scale vendors and stall owners affected by the January fire that ravaged the San Fernando City Market in La Union province.

The distribution of livelihood settlement grants is part of the department’s ongoing efforts, via its Field Office-1 (Ilocos Region), to assist fire-affected vendors.

“The program we bring is the Sustainable Livelihood Program. We are here today to contribute in some way to your lost capital. While we may not be able to replace everything, we hope that this can help in a small way,” Gatchalian said.

Livelihood subsidies ranging from P5,000 to P15,000 based on the desired livelihood initiatives were given to 682 qualified vendors and stall owners.

Gatchalian looked at the difficulties experienced by a fire victim while assuring the affected community that the government would continue to help them.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. simply wants you to feel the presence of your government, the national government, in times of need,” Gatchalian said.

He also emphasized the significance of taking a national approach to addressing the needs of vendors and stall owners whose livelihoods were impacted by the fire.

“What’s important is that the national government, other branches of government, and your local government are helping each other to pool together the resources or capabilities of the government to help you recover,” he said.

DSWD Field Office-1 had previously given monetary assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, food and nonfood items, and psychosocial support to the fire-affected individuals prior to the distribution of livelihood settlement grants.

Gatchalian was assisted by San Fernando City Mayor Hermenegildo “Dong” Gualberto for the ceremonial grant distribution.