Some 500 residents of this town have received PHP3,000 worth of financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In his message during the awarding of the aid on Thursday, Mayor Ramon Ronald Guico IV said the beneficiaries were indigent from the 24 barangays here who were chosen by their respective barangay officials.

Guico said the project is under the assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS) program of the DSWD.

AICS serves as a social safety net or stop-gap measure to support the recovery of individuals and families suffering from unexpected life events or crises, the DSWD said.

Maximina Fernandez, one of the beneficiaries, said she would use the amount for the needs of her three kids who are studying.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa gobyerno para sa tulong na ito (I thank the government for the aid we have received),” she said. (PNA)