The Department of Transportation (DOTr) distributed livelihood packages to 198 families affected by the ongoing North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) construction in Bulacan, providing them with additional income opportunities on Wednesday, September 30.

Each family received a P15,000 sari-sari store package intended to augment their existing small businesses and help strengthen their household income.

The DOTr said a second batch of affected families will undergo training as part of the program, bringing the total number of intended beneficiaries to 500 families.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni ‘Banoy’ Lopez said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring livelihood opportunities for families affected by major transport infrastructure projects.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed the DOTr to provide livelihood support to families relocated due to the construction of transport infrastructure, the department said.

The program forms part of the government’s efforts to complement infrastructure development with economic assistance for communities affected by the NSCR project.