P8M aid distributed under AKAP program

CEBU, Philippines — Close to P8 million was distributed to a total of 1,592 Mandaue City beneficiaries of the national government's Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) program.

Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon led the distribution of P5,000 to each beneficiary at the San Roque Parish Gym in Subangdaku. With her were Tingog Partylist Representative Yedda Romualdez, and Cebu Sixth District Provincial Board Member Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano.

“Magpasalamat gyud kita ni Speaker Martin Romualdez nga migahin gyud sa maong pundo, kay ato gyud ipadayon kining hinabang aron maka benepisyo gyud ang atong nga low income workers,” Ouano-Dizon said during the second wave of AKAP payout, and assuring that there will be more aid distribution.

AKAP, the newest poverty alleviation program of the government had its simultaneous launching with other regions nationwide last May 19, 2024, wherein over 600 beneficiaries in the city were given the same financial assistance.

Ouano-Dizon explained that the AKAP program is a brainchild of President “Bongbong” Marcos and Speaker Romualdez to benefit low income earners or minimum earners and the informal sectors as well.

AKAP beneficiaries include solo parents, fisherfolks, and vendors.

AKAP is part of almost P500 billion social amelioration program or 'ayuda' for at least 12 million poor and low-income families or an estimated 48 million Filipinos under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024.

During the aid distribution, the Tingog Partylist also raffled various items like refrigerators, television sets, grocery items, a motorcycle and a lot more to lucky beneficiaries.

Other officials who attended the event were DSWD personnel, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Undersecretary Terence Calatrava, Tingog Partylist officials Happy Calatrava and Karla Estrada, Opao barangay captain Nixon "Jojo" Dizon, City Councilors Nerrisa Soon-Ruiz, Atty. Joel Seno, Anjong Ouano Icalina, Cesar Cabahug, and Consolacion Councilor Alfie Ouano. — (FREEMAN)