DSWD gives aid to vendors, stall owners after La Union market fire

FILE PHOTO: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extends assistance to victims of a fire in the San Fernando City Market in La Union. Photo courtesy of DSWD-7/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extended assistance to victims of a fire in the San Fernando City Market in La Union.

On Friday, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of aid to vendors and market stall owners under the government’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“Sa hapon na ito, ang programang dala-dala namin ay iyong Sustainable Livelihood Program. Nandito po kami ngayon para makapag-ambag nang maski papaano sa inyong nawalang puhunan. Hindi man namin kayang palitan lahat, sana ay makatulong ito sa maliit naming paraan,” Gatchalian said.

(This afternoon, the program that we bring is the Sustainable Livelihood Program. We are here to somewhat contribute to your economic losses. We may not be able to repair all, but may this help in our little way.)

READ: DSWD extends aid to fire victims in La Union, Rizal

According to the DSWD, 682 eligible recipients are expected to receive grants from P5,000 to P15,000, depending on their livelihood proposals.

Gatchalian also said that all branches of government will come together to help the fire victims bounce back.

“Ang importante ay uunti-untiin na lang natin na makabangon muli… Ang importante ay nagtutulung- tulong po ang pamahalaang nasyunal, ibang sangay ng pamahalaan, at ang inyong lokal na pamahalaan para mapagsama-sama natin ang mga  resources o iyong kakayanan ng gobyerno para matulungan kayong makabangon muli. Kasi alam ko, iyon naman ang gusto natin, ang makapaghanap buhay muli,” Sec. Gatchalian pointed out.

(What’s important is that we rise little by little. What’s important is that the national government and other government branches, as well as your local government, to combine the resources and abilities of the government to help you rise again. I know, that is what we want, to start work again.)

The fire which struck on January 11, affected more than 1,100 stalls and damaged properties worth around P200 million.