Some 3,000 financially-struggling residents of this province on Monday received financial assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Sen. Imee Marcos and Gov. Hermilando Mandanas led the distribution of the cash aid to beneficiaries in a payout activity held at the provincial capitol compound.

Each beneficiary received PHP3,000 for a total of PHP9 million, according to DSWD representatives.

It was explained that the AICS program is a social safety net to support the recovery of individuals and families in case of unforeseen crisis such as illness or death of a family member and other similar circumstances.

During the event, Marcos thanked AGAP Party-list Rep. Nikki Briones “for continuously working with our [her] office and the DSWD to provide aid to the people.”

Meanwhile, the provincial government on the same day separately distributed educational assistance amounting to PHP10 million to a total of 2,607 Batangueño students.

The money handed out is intended to cover tuition fees for the second semester of academic year 2022-2023, the Batangas Public Information Office (PIO) said on its website.

After the payout activity, Mandanas led the contract signing for an additional 186 Multi-Purpose Rescue Vehicles (MRV) and the groundbreaking for the provincial administration building inside the capitol compound.

In an interview with the PNA, Mandanas said “the provincial government funded disaster response projects as part of its priority programs, in consideration of the Taal volcano status, in addition to healthcare, education and livelihood efforts.”

Mandanas also recognized 53 Avian Influenza Surveillance Volunteers who have “partnered with the government to ensure the safety of the citizens’ health and the protection of the poultry and animal farm industry.” (PNA)