DSWD rolls out ayuda for Pasay, Parañaque vendors

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced Thursday that street vendors and food stall owners affected by temporary security closures for next week's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit will each receive P10,000 in financial aid and family food packs.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured affected small business operators in Pasay City and Parañaque City that livelihood assistance is underway, citing that initial payouts began on Sunday.

"While we apologize to those whose livelihoods have been stalled due to the upcoming ASEAN Summit, the directive of our president is to ensure that they will be given financial assistance because we know that they have no income on those days," Gatchalian said in a statement.

According to Gatchalian, distributions are scheduled for completion by Friday so vendors and their families receive aid ahead of the regional summit.

He cited that 30 establishments received P10,000 each during Sunday's rollout, followed by an additional 50 recipients in subsequent batches.

At least 1,300 vendors operating on the Parañaque side of the Baclaran commercial district are set to receive their cash grants on Friday.

Meanwhile, vendors situated near the Baclaran Church on the Pasay City side will receive their payouts once local government officials submit a finalized and validated list of beneficiaries to the DSWD.

"Our goal is that by Friday, we will have already given all the P10,000 financial aid as well as the food packs," Gatchalian said. "We ask for forgiveness, but we will ensure that we will help them with their livelihoods."