President gives out P500,000 for Quezon City’s livelihood projects

President Arroyo awarded yesterday P500,000 in livelihood assistance to urban poor families in Quezon City in support of the project of Mayor Feliciano Belmonte to address the city’s problem of street children.

President Arroyo gave out checks to five barangay beneficiaries of this project, dubbed Ahon Kabuhayan, co-administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Ginuntuan at Makabayang Alay (GMA) Foundation.

The President, assisted by Quezon City Mayor Belmonte and DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman, handed out the checks to the respective barangay leaders during the program at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Old Balara. The president proceeded there after leading the flag-raising rites to mark the 16th anniversary of the EDSA-1 People Power revolution.

In her brief remarks to the beneficiaries, President Arroyo congratulated the parents of the street children who underwent and completed the DSWD-sponsored ‘Parents’ Effectiveness Seminar’ conducted for seven consecutive Saturdays to remind them of responsible parenthood.

"During the seminar, the parents were reminded of their duties to their children in accordance with the laws of God and also the laws of government," the President cited.

President Arroyo noted with satisfaction that the seminar also taught the parents new skills which they can use to start a small business of their own using the assistance given to them.

The President noted that the parents were actually forced to send out their children to beg in the streets because they had no jobs.

"This (project) gives importance to why we celebrate People Power because you are really the source of People Power and through this small livelihood assistance, you will have empowerment for your own future and of your children," the President pointed out.

The President commended the DSWD and the GMA Foundation, in coordination with the city government of Mayor Belmonte and supported by Alerta Labandera, for gathering the parents and street children which led to this project.