ILOCOS SUR, Apr. 22 – – A total of 84, 441 households from the 22 towns of the Second District here, which are affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), will benefit with the aid provided by the PUSO ti Kababaihan.
“PUSO ti Kababaihan” or Progress, Unity, Socialization and Outreach cooperative of women is an organization of empowered women from Candon City and 22 towns of the Second District of Ilocos Sur formed and headed by Representative Kristine Singson.
As of April 20, over 41, 000 households from 17 towns have received their relief packs containing 2kg of rice, canned goods, instant noodles, packs of coffee and washable face masks.
Local government units (LGU) also received face shields, washable and surgical face masks and thermal scanners for their frontliners.
Rep. Singson said that from the first week of ECQ, their office has been in contact with the Mayors, PUSO ti Kababaihan officers, hospitals, donors and supply chains to provide assistance to the residents as well as frontliners from various private and public hospitals in the province.
“Based on needs and supply, we worked on a systematic planning and distribution of food packs to all households, and PPE distribution to frontliners including hospitals. As of today aside from my personal contribution, LBC Express, Inc., San Miguel Corporation and Lucio Tan Group, Shield for Heroes Ph, and other companies and associations have all contributed to the relief operations for the 2nd District of Ilocos Sur,” she said.
Gallons of alcohol, and isolation gowns and gloves were also distributed to 10 private and public hospitals in the Second District of Ilocos Sur.
Rep. Singson clarified that the relief operations are not part of the funds and programs of local government units (LGU) as they are implementing programs as per guideline of the Inter-agency Task Force.
“PUSO ti Kababaihan, the district office, LGUs and volunteers are working together to implement a district wide food pack distribution and I am very pleased with the progress. This is a true unfolding of the ‘Bayanihan’ spirit amongst all these individuals, whether government or private, all working together to serve the community,” Rep. Singson added.
Having the most number of population, with over 42, 000 households, Santa Maria, Narvacan, Santa, Santa Cruz, and Tagudin towns are yet to receive their assistance within this month before the ECQ ends.
Ladylyn Ducusin, PUSO ti Kababaihan President, said that the members of the organization are actively coordinating with the arrival, and spearheading the repacking and distribution of the goods to the LGUs.
“Sobrang proud ako sa mga kababaihan ng Second District of Ilocos Sur for rising up to the challenges of the times. The PUSO ladies are very eager to extend whatever assistance the LGU and the community needs,” Ducusin said.
She also emphasized that the organization aims to be a platform where women are empowered to become collaborators in the progress, unity, socialization and outreach programs of the community.
The relief operation doesn’t only focus on providing assistance to the residents and frontliners but also aims to empower the involvement of women in community building as well as to show how unity can help in time of crisis.
“When women are called upon to act and able to contribute positively to our society – that is women empowerment. I have seen and heard of how grateful the members of PUSO ti KABABAIHAN with the relief operations program,” Rep. Singson said.
The organization, which was formed last year by Rep. Singson, has around 3, 000 members helping with the district wide food pack distribution.
