In Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, approximately 1,500 citizens, mostly seniors, gathered at the Coliseo Pedrín Zorilla on Saturday to request help with the Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN), according to Family Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes. The Administration for Socioeconomic Development of the Family (ADSEF) assisted with recertifications, new applications, pending appointments, and other procedures. The special services day was held due to the accumulation of cases requiring attention, and despite being initially targeted at San Juan and Guaynabo residents, it received a significantly higher turnout, including citizens from other municipalities.
Roig Fuertes highlighted that the agency’s priority remained focused on providing attention to citizens and evaluating aspects that require adjustments for future initiatives. The event also provided support measures, including a tent for participants, distribution of fruits and water, and preventive medical services. ADSEF Subadministrator Juan Avilés Silvestry recognized the staff’s response and reiterated the importance of maintaining continuous attention amidst the extraordinary volume of citizens.
On Saturday, the ADSEF team worked to attend to the people who arrived seeking services, with a significantly higher turnout than expected, including citizens from various municipalities, presenting an additional challenge for the operation.