City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda spearheaded the distribution of ₱3,000 financial aid to 2,996 tricycle operators and drivers’ association (TODA) members from the municipalities of Arayat and the City of San Fernando at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center on Thursday, Aug. 29.
The financial assistance was made possible through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), funded by Senator Imee Marcos.
In addition to the monetary aid, Gov. Delta personally ensured that each beneficiary received five kilograms of rice, along with chicken and hotdogs, providing immediate relief to their families.
“Sana kahit paano po ay mairaos ninyo ang ilang araw sa pamamagitan po ng mga tulong na ito. Asahan po ninyo na hindi po rito natatapos ang suporta ng Kapitolyo sa inyo, mananatili pong bukas ang pintuan namin para tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ninyo,” Gov. Delta said.
He also expressed his gratitude to Sen. Marcos for including the TODA drivers in the assistance program, acknowledging the daily challenges they endure in striving to provide for their families.
Representing Sen. Marcos at the event, actress and vlogger Ella Cruz conveyed the senator’s message of solidarity and commitment to the Kapampangan community.
“Nakakalungkot man po na hindi nakapunta ngayon si Sen. Imee, sana po—sa tulong na ito—ay nakapagbigay siya ng tulong sa inyo para sa araw-araw. Sa mga susunod, pupunta pa siya rito para mag-abot pa ng tulong, hindi lang sa TODA drivers, kundi sa iba pang Kapampangan,” Cruz said.
The AICS program, as posted on the official DSWD website, provides support to individuals and families in crisis, offering financial assistance for medical needs, transportation, education, food, and other essential services. This initiative is part of a broader effort to aid the nation’s most vulnerable citizens during times of hardship.