This distribution of financial aid was part of the nationwide “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” event, marking the 67th birthday of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

On September 13-14, 2024, DSWD Bicol distributed PHP5,000 each to 18,078 low-income earners and beneficiaries from the six provinces: Albay (5,664), Sorsogon (1,801), Masbate (2,824), Catanduanes (1,000), Camarines Sur (4,789), and Camarines Norte (2,000). The beneficiaries included fishermen, food vendors, barangay health workers, barangay public safety officers (barangay tanod), and other minimum-wage earners and “near-poor” individuals from both the formal and informal sectors.

In an interview, one of the beneficiaries from Sorsogon, Hilda Hular Balasta, a 48-year-old person with a disability and sari-sari store owner, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to DSWD Bicol and President Marcos Jr. for the financial assistance she received.

“Thank you so much, DSWD, for this financial support. It is a tremendous help for me, especially for my needs because I am a member of the PWD community. Also, thank you so much, President Marcos Jr., for this gift. Happy birthday!” she said.

DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio expressed his strong support for the president and his administration’s efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos.

The Department reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the lives of the poor and marginalized sectors through its programs and services.