BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA) – More than of 1,000 low income earners from three municipalities are the latest beneficiaries of the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the province.
Beneficiaries from Bontoc, Sabangan, and Sadanga received the financial assistance of 5,000.00 each during the payout held at the open gym in Eyeb in Bontoc, on September 13, 2024.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Cordillera Regional Director Maria Atitiw Catbagan-Aplaten emphasized that the pay-out is a government’s way of acknowledging the hard work of local farmers who significantly contribute to the community producing goods for consumers. She advised the beneficiaries to use the cash assistance appropriately to improve their lives and support those who rely on them.
“Daytoy nga programa ti Pilipinas under Bagong Pilipinas ni apo BBM ket maysa nga mangipakita ti panag-ayat na. Nga irec-recognize na iti tulong yu iti komyunidad.”
[This program of the government under the Bagong Pilipinas of Apo BBM is one way of showing his love for you. That he recognizes your help to the community.]
Mountain Province Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog Jr. reiterated to the beneficiaries to use the assistance properly to help ease their financial difficulties.
“Nan mausaran kuma tuna [cash assistance] ta ngumato nan kita yu. Tay nu once nginmato nan kita you, tuloy-tuloy et sa, mas may-mayat di kaysa in aw-awat ka si one time ay ayuda.”
[You should use this cash assistance to help increase your income. Once your income increases, it would be better than receiving one- time assistance.]
In an interview, Mary Jane A. Maiyao, a single parent and person with disability from Sadanga, expressed her gratitude for the assistance, saying it will significantly help with her daily needs.
Pierre Dolipas, a working student from Sabangan, said that he plans to use the assistance for research and school expenses. He appreciated the program for its support to students like him.
The AKAP program is specifically designed to assist low-income earners. Recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Social Pension are not eligible for this assistance, ensuring that the aid reaches a broader and underserved segment of the population. (JDP/VJLT-PIA Mountain Province)
