CITY OF TABUK,Kalinga(PIA)–The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)- Kalinga rolled out the “Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program” (AKAP) in the province on May 18.
The AKAP is a new program of the DSWD that is intended to provide assistance to those classified to be ‘near poor’, minimum wage earners, and those in the informal economy to protect them from effects of inflation, and to prevent them from slipping into poverty.
The program benefits a total of 3,000 individuals in Kalinga, each receiving P3,000 food assistance, said DSWD Social Welfare and Development Kalinga team leader Lorna C. Lumioan.
The first payout was simultaneously held at the Kalinga State University gymnasium in Tabuk City, and at the Pasil Evacuation Center through the initiative of Cong. Allen Jesse Mangaoang.
The aid hopes to help tide the beneficiaries from the high prices of goods, said Gary Damian, Mangaoang’s assistant, during the launch.
Sari-sari store owner Nora Angeles from Balong, Tabuk City expressed her appreciation for the program.
A mother of six, Angeles said they struggle financially as their income is usually not enough to make ends meet, and the cash aid is a big help with her children’s school bills.
“Dakkel ti pagyamanak ta ada pagabayad diay eskwela ti high school ku,” Angeles said, sharing that her child will be graduating high school.
Meanwhile, farmer Ermina Daluwog from Asibanglan, Pinukpuk, said the assistance provides a bit of relief amid the losses they are experiencing due to the El Nino.
“Bassit ti apit tatta ket kasanun ngay kunkunak. Nu daduma gumatangak ti bagas,” Daluwog said.
The 59-year-old farmer said she owes P4,800 from a cooperative, and she is thankful for the cash aid as it will help her keep up with expenses. (IOS- PIA Kalinga)
