The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided crisis and livelihood assistance to Christian Tee, the 19-year-old Divisoria porter who recently went viral online after enthusiastically delivering an impromptu news report during an encounter with a news reporter.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, joined by spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, met with Christian on Wednesday, December 10, to personally hand over support under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program and the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). The assistance aims to help him start a small siomai business while pursuing his education.
Gatchalian said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had taken notice of Christian’s viral video.
“Napanood ko yung reel mo, pero pinapunta rin ako ng Presidente natin. Sabi niya, hanapin kita at tulungan. So, nandito kami kasi may dala kaming tulong galing sa DSWD. Alam ko, kinu-kuwento ni Jessie kanina sa akin na gusto mo maging reporter,” the Secretary told the young porter.
Christian, who moved to Manila from Nueva Ecija to support his child in the province, recounted the moment that made him viral and expressed gratitude for the assistance, and shared how his admiration for reporters inspired him to approach the journalist.
“Una pa lang hinabol ko siya habang nakita ko siyang nag-interview sa mga tao. Idol na Idol ko kasi sila sa pag-interview at pag-communicate sa inyong mga tao. Talagang hangang-hanga ako,” Christian told Secretary Gatchalian.
Aside from the AICS and SLP, the DSWD also extended a separate assistance package to Christian’s grandparents.
Gatchalian encouraged the 19-year-old to continue working toward his goals while building a sustainable livelihood. He assured him that the program will provide the necessary skills training to help him manage his small business plan.
The initiative highlights the DSWD’s ongoing efforts to empower vulnerable youth and provide opportunities for long-term self-sufficiency. It is in line with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that Filipinos like Christian are provided with support and livelihood interventions.
