By Tracy Cabrera
Vendors whose livelihoods have been disrupted receivE cash aid and family food packs from the DSWD. (Photo supplied)
Out of the more than 1,300 vendors whose livelihoods have been affected by the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits, some 54 of them have been provided initially with cash assistance of ₱10,000 each and family food packs, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In a post on Facebook, the DSWD said that the distribution was conducted on Wednesday at the San Andres Bonifacio Elementary School in Pasay City.
The agency added that it was set to distribute assistance for other vendors.
“This is part of the effort of the government, pursuant to the directive of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to ensure that families who will be affected by the important national activity will receive support,” it announced.
Prior to this, on November 8, the DSWD had provided assistance to 30 vendors to offset income loss amid tighter security for the summit.
Meanwhile, vendors in Baclaran, who have yet to receive the promised assistance, expressed concern over the Cas aid’s sluggish rollout, asking what would happens if the delay exceeds the scheduled dates of the ASEAN events.
In an interview, one vendor said he has doubts whether the cash aid would still be given to them when the summit is already over.
“Baka hindi na maibigay sa amin kasi tapos na iyong event. Siyempre sa dami ng bibigyan magkakaroon ng maraming delay d’yan,” he pointed out in the vernacular.
Another vendor told the Daily Tribune that he is sure that not all affected vendors will be given the much needed financial assistance.
“Malabong mabigyan ang lahat kasi tulad noong unang mga ayudang binibigay, marami ang hindi kasama sa listahan. Dapat kasi nag-prepare din sila para sa tulong na ibinigay sa amin at hindi lang iyong preparation nila sa hosting ng ASEAN Summit,” she enthused.
