By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
As livelihoods of vendors, eatery workers, and sari-sari store owners were temporarily disrupted by the clearing operations as part of enforcing security measures for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, the government has fulfilled its promise of extending assistance to them.
This, as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) kicked off its aid distribution to those displaced by ASEAN preparations in Pasay City and Baclaran, Parañaque City on Wednesday.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a statement, “Bagama’t humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa mga naantala ang hanapbuhay dahil sa napipintong ASEAN Summit, ang direktiba ng ating Pangulo (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) ay masigurado na mabigyan sila ng tulong pinansyal kasi alam natin na wala silang kikitain sa mga araw na iyon.”
Almost 1,000 vendors received P10,000 in cash aid through the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program. They also received family food packs (FFPs) containing rice, canned goods, and coffee.
Secretary Gatchalian also said the DSWD is expecting to finish all payouts by Friday, to ensure that before the ASEAN Summit, the basic needs of vendors and their families will be met.
“Ninanais po natin na maging maayos at ligtas ang atin pong idaraos na Summit nitong paparating na Linggo, pero mahalaga din po ang ating mga kababayan. Alam naman po natin na yung pagkakaantala ng kabuhayan ay nakakapag-cause din ng crisis sa kanila lalo na kung ito yung pinagkukunan ng resources ng pamilya.”
Vendors along Baclaran Church in Paranaque City will also receive assistance from the Department immediately once their local government units (LGUs) submit their finalized list of beneficiaries to the DSWD. (with report from JM Thompson | PTV News)
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