I have known Alfred Vargas for years, long before he became a public servant. Back then, during showbiz junkets, we would talk about his big dreams and the kind of change he wanted to see. Now, seeing him turn those ideas into action is something I can’t help but admire.
Alfred’s livelihood program in Quezon City’s 5th District is one of those initiatives that remind me why he got into public service in the first place. It’s not flashy, and he doesn’t make a big deal out of it, but the impact? It’s undeniable. More than 4,500 residents have benefited, whether through job fairs, startup capital, or vocational training.
I remember a conversation we had a few weeks ago about the importance of giving people not just financial aid but actual opportunities to build a sustainable livelihood.
“It’s not just about handing out help,” he said. “It’s about making sure people have something to hold on to in the long run.” And that’s exactly what he’s done.
More than 1,000 people have landed jobs through his job fairs, while over 2,500 received capital to kickstart their small businesses. But what really stood out to me was how TESDA came in to support the program with skills training in everything from meat processing to soap making. These are practical skills that residents can immediately use to start earning.
One of my favorite stories from this program is about a former scrap collector who used to push a cart around looking for recyclables. Today, he owns a junk shop. Another is a chicharon vendor who can now afford to send his kids to school. There’s also a seamstress who, after receiving a sewing machine, now supplies uniforms and towels to companies.
Even those who started with something as simple as selling homemade perfumes online now have an extra P500 to P700 coming in every month. It might not sound like much to some, but as Alfred pointed out, “That’s money for electricity, water, or even diapers and milk. It may be small, but it makes a big difference.”
One thing I appreciate about Alfred’s approach is that he doesn’t stop at giving people resources—he makes sure they’re guided along the way. With his brother, Congressman PM Vargas, they set up a mentorship system to track progress and help beneficiaries navigate challenges. “We don’t just hand them capital and disappear,” he once told me. “We stay with them until they can stand on their own.”
I have seen firsthand how much this means to people. Stay-at-home moms now have their own small businesses. Some are finally doing work they’re passionate about while earning at the same time. There’s pride in their eyes, knowing they created something of their own.
At the end of the day, Alfred’s program does not just focus on livelihood, it’s also about giving people dignity. It’s about giving people the means to take control of their own lives. And that, to me, is the kind of leadership that truly matters.