At least 3,000 small entrepreneurs and 2,000 students in Siquijor received a total of P10 million worth of cash aid as part of two social assistance programs of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. that provide aid to certain sectors of society in difficult times.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, the main proponent of the Start-up, Investment, Business Opportunity and Livelihood (SIBOL) Program, and the Integrated Scholarships and Incentives Program (ISIP) for the Youth yesterday led the implementation of the programs.
Designed to extend assistance to small entrepreneurs and students struggling amid the rising cost of living, SIBOL and ISIP payouts were held in Siquijor coinciding with the conduct of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair.
“We cannot deny that our small-scale entrepreneurs and even our students need our help to improve their lives. If we help our entrepreneurs and students to succeed in their respective endeavors, we empower them to provide positive contributions to nation-building,” Romualdez said.
The programs were created in response to the challenge of the Chief Executive to the House of Representatives to provide meaningful assistance to those who needed it the most.
The SIBOL program, an initiative of Romualdez in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), seeks to provide support not only to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small businesses, but also to individuals seeking better employment opportunities.
“We believe that the business sector deserves this level of support. And why not? Through these enterprises, employment opportunities are generated and the economic growth is propelled forward,” Romualdez said.
“To all Filipino entrepreneurs, know that the House of Representatives is committed to the mission of equipping every one of you with the necessary tools and providing the conducive environment for you to be successful. After all, your success ultimately redounds to the nation’s success,” he added.
Under the SIBOL program in Siquijor, 3,000 small entrepreneurs from the district of Rep. Zaldy Villa, shall receive P2,000 each.
Under the ISIP for the Youth, a total of 2,000 students from the province shall receive P2,000 each in financial assistance from the AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation) program of DSWD.
The identified student-beneficiaries will also be enrolled under the Commission on Higher Education’s Tulong Dunong Program wherein students can get a scholarship assistance of up to P15,000 per year.