On August 31, 2024, 183 residents of Brgy. Caganayan, Tineg, Abra, a remote and often overlooked area, received much-needed financial aid as part of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) payout program. The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) payout program delivered financial aid to 183 residents, with each beneficiary receiving Php 3,000. This vital support provided immediate relief to families enduring hardship.
The success of this initiative highlights the power of collaboration. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office CAR (DSWD FO CAR), under the leadership of Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, spearheaded the effort. They were joined by the Pink Women on Fire Corporation, Foundever Philippines Corporation, Rotary Club, and Rotaract Summer Capital, each playing a crucial role in extending aid to one of the region’s most challenging and inaccessible communities.
Despite its rugged terrain, Tineg rarely experiences large-scale outreach events. Yet, these organizations were committed to making a difference. The Pink Women on Fire Corporation made a significant impact with a donation of over Php 40,000 worth of essential items. This included 30 notebooks, 170 pad papers, 150 ballpens, 60 crayons, 42 school bags, 100 slippers, 120 hygiene kits, and 50 toys, along with sports items and food. They also organized engaging activities for the youth of Tineg, bringing joy and enrichment to the community.
Foundever Philippines Corporation contributed additional school supplies, which included 74 pad papers, 128 pencils, 101 rulers, and 74 ballpens, ensuring that children in Barangay Caganayan are well-prepared for the school year ahead.
The Rotary Club and Rotaract Summer Capital made a substantial contribution by organizing a comprehensive medical mission. They provided essential healthcare services, including medicines and vitamins, to address prevalent health issues. Additionally, they conducted educational talks on breastfeeding, empowering local mothers with valuable knowledge on health and nutrition practices. These discussions promoted better health outcomes for both mothers and their infants, fostering a sense of well-being and health awareness within the community.
This collaborative effort not only addressed immediate needs but also empowered the residents of Tineg with knowledge and resources to improve their quality of life. The AICS payout and outreach demonstrated what can be achieved through unified action and compassion. By overcoming the challenges of distance and difficult terrain, these organizations ensured that aid reached not only urban centers but also the most vulnerable and isolated populations.
This initiative serves as a poignant reminder that no community is too remote to be touched by compassion and generosity. Through their combined efforts, these organizations provided essential resources and fostered a sense of inclusion, offering tangible relief and hope to those often left behind.#DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Joanna Marie M. Caponpon-Apostol, Administrative Assistant III
