The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) spearheaded by Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc led a series of cash-for-work payout distribution on April 2 as Ilokano farmers concluded their environmental preservation services.
PGIN, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, allotted a budget for the program totaling to Php 54,810,900.00 which helped 13,212 beneficiaries in the first quarter of this year.
Since Gov. Marcos Manotoc was elected as governor of Ilocos Norte, he has prioritized the promotion of environmental preservation which can be seen from his province-wide campaign “Narimat nga Aglawlaw” that focuses on implementing solid waste management and anti-pollution programs.
This cash-for-work program is one of the foundations that builds the bridge towards improved quality of environment in the province and this is manifested in his speech during the cash distribution in Vintar, Ilocos Norte:
“Rest assured itutuloy po namin itong programa na cash-for-work to make sure na talagang malinis ang ating communities, we continue to plant trees…and now more than ever kailangang protektahan ang ating mga kagubatan kasi madaming mga sunog na nangyayari sa ating probinsiya including dito po sa Vintar.”
According to Mr. Elmer Rasalan, a 50-year old farmer and beneficiary from Sarrat, the salary will help him to continue his medications for his kidney stones.
Meanwhile, Ms. Esmela Binuya, a 55-year old farmer said: “No awan daytoy papaubrana a kastoy, agtrabtrabahokami, awan umay a tulong kadakami, iso nga ag-thank you nak la un-unay kenkuana (Gov. Marcos Manotoc). Dakami a mannalon ket maragsakankami.”
The continuing implementation of cash-for-work programs in Ilocos Norte exemplifies the Governor’s prioritization of the welfare of Ilokanos, particularly those impacted by disasters and belonging to marginalized groups. Through their work in communities and efforts to uphold cleanliness in their respective barangays, residents contribute to making Ilocos Norte a more environmentally friendly province. — Laura Ashley Tapia and Janna Butay, PGIN-CMO Interns
