Ernix Dionisio Jr.
House leaders emphasize the impact of the enhancement of the existing social welfare programs, also known as ‘ayuda’ that has helped the Filipino people.
A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed 90% of Filipinos said that Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and other aid programs brings as helpful.
Manila Representative Ernix Dionisio Jr. emphasized that ayuda programs have been going on for years and is only now being criticized under the Marcos administration.
“Ang ayuda kasi hindi naman … nakakalungkot na minsan dine-demonize ‘yung ayuda. Sa totoo lang ang ayuda ‘di lang naman ngayong admin ‘yan. It’s been happening for the longest time,” Dionisio said.
“Bakit noon pwede but ngayon masama? Bakit ‘pag sa kanila pwede, bakit pag sa iba bawal, masama?” he asked.
Dionisio underscored the importance and the necessity of government assistance to those that are in need.
“Yung simpleng maliit na ayuda, iisipin natin, sinasabi ng iba dine-demonize sila na wala naman ‘yan, pang isang araw lang. No. Yung pang isang araw na ‘yun, hindi mo alam kung gaano kalaking epekto sa mahirap na tao that could save their lives,” he said.
Dionisio said that these programs aid the Filipinos that are earning less, and supports smalls businesses.
“Yung iba nga kapit sa patalim, umuutang sa may payong at nakamotor ‘yung mga bombay. Sa totoo lang, ‘yun yung medyo nagagahasa ang mga kababayan natin,” he added.
Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Representative Paolo Ortega V said that the programs were not just planned out of nowhere and was planned with care and thoughtfulness.
“Kaya nga po nagawa ‘yang mga programa na ‘yan, hindi naman po ginawa ‘yan kahapon lang. Pinag-isipan po ‘yan not only ‘nung binabalangkas at saka ginagawa ‘yung batas,” he said.
“Yung ating mga ayuda, not only po ‘dun sa mga sectors na very vulnerable pero nabigyan nga po natin ng tulong yung mga kapos ang kinikita,” he noted.
