OVP: Over 271,000 Filipinos received aid under assistance programs

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) highlighted over the weekend its assistance, livelihood, education, and disaster response programs, saying more than 271,000 individuals received aid through its initiatives over the past year.

During the OVP’s annual recognition event dubbed “Pasidungog sa Kabag-uhan,” Vice President Sara Duterte presented the office’s accomplishment report and thanked government agencies, private sector partners, civil society groups, and other stakeholders for supporting its programs.

According to the OVP, a total of 271,631 individuals received assistance, while 64,234 bereaved families were provided support through its programs.

The office also reported assisting grassroots entrepreneurs through its Mag Negosyo Ta ’Day program, saying 39 groups and more than 4,400 entrepreneurs received livelihood support.

Libreng Sakay

Meanwhile, the OVP said its Libreng Sakay initiative has served around 2.9 million commuters.

In disaster response efforts, the office reported extending assistance to more than 535,000 families through its Disaster Operations Center and partner organizations.

The OVP also said an additional 231,604 beneficiaries received assistance through its RIICE Program and Kalusugan Food Trucks.

For education-related initiatives, the office reported distributing school and dental kits to 603,751 students under its PagbaBAGo campaign.

The OVP likewise highlighted its environmental program, saying it had planted 1,089,750 trees over the past three years, surpassing its target of one million trees.

Duterte thanked the OVP’s partners and stakeholders, saying the office remained committed to public service despite the challenges it faced in recent years.

“Naging mas mapaghamon man ang pagpapatakbo ng ating mga programa dahil sa mga walang basehang batikos at sistematikong atake laban sa atin, nanatili tayong matatag. Hindi nito kailanman natinag ang ating adhikaing makapaglingkod at masuklian ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob sa atin ng mamamayang Pilipino,” Duterte said.

(While implementing our programs became more challenging because of baseless criticisms and systematic attacks against us, we remained steadfast. These never shook our commitment to serve and repay the trust given to us by the Filipino people.)

She also emphasized that the OVP’s programs are anchored on improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

The Vice President said the OVP would continue pursuing what she described as a “Legacy of Service” through programs focused on social assistance, livelihood, education, and disaster response. The annual Pasidungog event recognizes organizations and individuals that have partnered with the OVP in implementing its programs and services. — RSJ, GMA News