Nueva Vizcaya expands aid for solo parents

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Nueva Vizcaya has stepped up its social welfare programs by releasing P6.135 million in cash assistance to 1,227 solo parents and preparing the province-wide rollout of its P20-per-kilo rice program for poor and vulnerable families next month.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Flordelina C. Granada said each beneficiary from the towns of Solano, Diadi, Villaverde, Bagabag, Bayombong, Bambang and Aritao received P5,000 under Project SUPPORT, or the Solo Parents’ Upliftment Program for Progress, Opportunities, Resources and Training.

Funded through Project GAYYEM, the latest payout brought the total number of solo parents assisted to 2,284, with cash aid exceeding P11.4 million.

Governor Jose V. Gambito vowed that the provincial government remains committed to easing the burden of solo parents, who shoulder the responsibility of raising and providing for their children on their own. He was joined by Vice-Governor Eufemia Ang Dacayo and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during the distribution of assistance.

Nueva Vizcaya is also set to launch “Bagas ti Umili: The People’s P20 Rice Project,” a localized version of the national government’s subsidized rice program. The effort will bring P20-per-kilo rice directly to barangays through mobile retail outlets, with priority beneficiaries including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, solo parents, families with malnourished children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and households affected by calamities.

More than P13 million has been earmarked for the program, including P11.3 million from the provincial government and a P1.95-million subsidy from Food Terminal, Inc.

Mr. Gambito said the project provides immediate relief to families struggling with rising food prices and economic hardships, with proceeds from rice sales to be used to replenish stocks and sustain the program’s expansion across the province. — Artemio A. Dumlao