REPRESENTATIVES from the Offices of Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano conducted a community visit in Barangay Paligui, Candaba, Pampanga, to engage directly with local boat operators and fish vendors whose livelihoods have been disrupted by recurrent flooding.
In flood-prone Candaba, rising water levels pose severe challenges to local commerce and transportation.
To adapt, several tricycle drivers transition into boat operators during the rainy season, using watercraft as an alternative source of income to support their families.
Similarly, vendors along the Candaba-Baliwag Road continue selling locally sourced products, including tilapia, carp, and farm-raised frogs, despite the flooded conditions.
During the visit, representatives met with local residents to assess their situation and distribute immediate relief.
A total of 30 families were provided with five kilograms of rice and cinnamon bread.
Jeric, a local tricycle driver who operates a boat during flood season, expressed gratitude for the aid and announced plans to help form a “Presyo, Trabaho, Kita” (PTK) Group to assist fellow boat operators in the area.
Analyn, a roadside sari-sari store owner, also voiced appreciation for the continued support extended to their neighborhood.
While the immediate relief was welcomed, residents highlighted the need for long-term livelihood assistance to help establish stable, sustainable sources of income that can withstand seasonal flooding.
The senators’ representatives reiterated their commitment to using community visits not only for immediate aid, but also to gather feedback to help develop sustainable livelihood programs for affected Filipinos.