Just days before the much-loved fiesta ni Apung Iru, Maileen Intal of Barangay San Vicente, Apalit, found relief and joy in the cash assistance she received from the government.

“Malaking tulong po itong natanggap namin. Makakabili ako ng gamot para sa maintenance ko, at may maihahanda na rin po kami para sa fiesta ni Apung Iru,” Intal shared, thankful for the ₱5,625 she received under the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Pampanga.

She was one of 3,904 residents in Apalit who benefited from the cash distribution on Friday. Simultaneously, 4,162 residents from Macabebe received the same support, totaling 8,066 beneficiaries in a single day.

Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, joined by Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, led the distribution and noted the timeliness of the aid. “Ito pong tulong-pinansyal na ito, dapat last year pa, para sa mga nasalanta ng Bagyong Carina. Inabutan lang ng election ban. Ngayong tapos na ang eleksyon, siniguro ko po talaga na matatanggap ninyo ito, at nataon pa sa pista ni Apung Iru,” said Gov. Delta.

Intal also expressed gratitude to the Pinedas for previous help during a health emergency.

“Noong naospital ako ilang taon na ang nakakaraan, wala akong binayaran. Sinagot lahat nina Gov. Delta at Nanay. Kaya sobrang pasasalamat ko sa kanila ngayon,” she recalled.

The ECT program is a post-disaster initiative designed to help families recover from large-scale emergencies like typhoons and floods. Friday’s distribution followed earlier rollouts in Arayat, Candaba, Bacolor, Sasmuan, Guagua, Mexico, and Sta. Ana, serving a total of 28,751 Kapampangans so far.

Governor Delta and Vice Governor Nanay also extended their thanks to **President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and DND Secretary/NDRRMC Chair Gilbert Teodoro for enabling the cash assistance.
With full hearts and fuller tables, Apalit residents are ready to celebrate.