DSWD: Aid for Pasay vendors affected by ASEAN Summit ongoing

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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it is continuing to provide assistance to vendors and workers in Pasay City who lost income after being barred from operating during the ASEAN Summit for security reasons.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said affected vendors who have yet to receive assistance may still avail themselves of government aid.

The agency has distributed food packs and cash assistance to some affected vendors, but its relief operations remain ongoing.

Dumlao urged those who need assistance to coordinate with their local government so they could be endorsed or referred to the DSWD.

“Makipag-ugnayan sila sa lokal na pamahalaan para ma-endorse po sila or ma-refer sila sa DSWD,” she said.

The agency, however, is also taking the initiative to reach out to affected vendors rather than wait for them to seek assistance.

“Umiikot po kami doon sa lugar. We have social workers going around the area at kasama rin po yung lokal na pamahalaan para hindi na natin hintayin na lumapit pa sila sa DSWD. Tayo na po mismo ang nagre-reach out na rin sa kanila,” Dumlao said.

The assistance is being provided through the agency's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which offers financial aid of up to around P10,000, depending on the assessment of social workers.

Dumlao said the government understood the difficulties faced by vendors whose livelihoods were disrupted by the summit and was prepared to extend assistance to those affected.

“We will continue to monitor your solution,” Dumlao said, addressing the vendors.— MCG, GMA News

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