Batac city: Public market stall owners and their helpers affected by a fire on July 5 received additional financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday. The financial assistance amounted to PHP10,000 each for the 92 stall owners and PHP5,000 each for helpers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos led the distribution of the aid, highlighting that the DSWD fund was provided to the provincial government as part of disaster response and early recovery interventions for those whose livelihoods were disrupted by the fire. Governor Marcos expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his directive to release the financial aid promptly to the affected individuals.

Governor Marcos also noted that President Marcos has been instrumental in mobilizing various government agencies to assist affected families and entrepreneurs through coordinated relief and recovery programs. This collaborative effort aims to support the victims in rebuilding their lives and businesses.

Demy Taasin, one of the affected stall owners from Barangay Ricarte, shared her story, emphasizing the loss her family faced with the destruction of their market stall, which had been their primary source of income for 42 years. She expressed her appreciation for the government's support in helping them get back on their feet.

Similarly, Zherland Rebucal, another stall owner from Barangay Quiling Sur, recounted how the fire devastated their clothing business, destroying vital equipment such as sewing and edging machines. Rebucal acknowledged the continuous financial aid from national and local governments as a significant factor in their recovery efforts, expressing hope that their clients will continue to support their business amid the ongoing challenges.