By Mariela Angella Oladive
A total of 2,550 residents in Iloilo City received financial assistance amounting to P7.6 million under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
The two-day payout, held at a local mall and concluding on Friday, August 9, provided each beneficiary with P3,000 in cash aid.
The AKAP program is specifically designed to support the “near-poor” segment of society—those in the low-income category who are struggling due to the impact of rising inflation.
The distribution was facilitated by the Office of Lone District Representative Julienne Baronda.
“We understand that many are facing financial difficulties this August. That’s why we’re doing our best to assist our people through AKAP. This financial support helps them meet their needs and reassures them that the government truly cares,” Baronda stated.
Among the beneficiaries was Reynaldo Paguntalan, a person with a disability, who was accompanied by his niece, Cecile Batuigas.
“This assistance will help my uncle buy his medicines. We’re very grateful to the government for this support,” Batuigas remarked.
In a similar effort, the DSWD also distributed P3 million to 1,000 city residents under the same program last month.
