The Office of Vice President Sara Duterte last week released livelihood assistance to 16 of the total 47 small business owners in Catanduanes who have qualified under its Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD) program.
Last Sept. 30, 2025, four beneficiaries from Gigmoto and three from Bato each received the P15,000 grant, with one from Baras yet to claim the cash aid.
The following day, Oct. 1, an abaca trader from Bagamanoc and seven from Panganiban town got their turn.
Majority of the 16 beneficiaries are owners of sari-sari stores while the rest were engaged in food vending, tailoring, catering services and food stall businesses, Catanduanes Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Gerry Rubio said.
The beneficiaries identified the items they wanted to purchase and they were accompanied by the OVP Bicol team in buying the items in local stores in Virac,
The other 33 identified and profiled beneficiaries who have already submitted their application requirements are undergoing evaluation by the OVP.
Mia Martinez, Vice Presidential Staff Officer I from the OVP Bicol Satellite Office, spearheaded the release of MTD assistance and was joined by Provincial Administrator Atty. Evelyn L. Gutierrez, who represented Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza.
They were assisted by the Provincial PESO Manager and staff, Municipal PESOs, and the concerned Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices.
The 16 initial beneficiaries underwent an evaluation and proposal validation process, and participated in a Financial Literacy Training conducted by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Catanduanes provincial office in preparation for the grant release.
Provincial Administrator Gutierrez commended the OVP Bicol Satellite Office team for their rigorous process and implementation of this assistance, which will significantly help in sustaining the livelihoods of the Catandunganon beneficiaries.
Launched in 2023, the OVP’s flagship livelihood assistance program has supported more than 1,400 small and medium enterprises, helping them start or sustain small businesses and community-based enterprises. From 2023 to 30 July 2025, the OVP has extended P150,000 in livelihood grants to each of the 30 recipient CSOs — reaching close to 9,000 individuals — and P15,000 in seed capital to 1,416 individual beneficiaries nationwide.
The OVP, through its satellite offices, continues to monitor and support the growth of beneficiaries, ensuring the grants are used effectively and sustainably to foster long-term community progress.
It added that there are plans to expand the program in the coming months to reach more sectors in need, particularly in far-flung and disaster-affected areas.
The MTD program aims to address the needs of individuals, groups, and sectors who suffer from poverty, injustice, and calamities by integrating them into the mainstream economy to become self-reliant and empowered citizens of the country.