DSWD GRANTS CASH AID TO VENDORS AFFECTED BY ASEAN PREPARATIONS

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, has granted financial assistance to vendors and business owners affected by the ongoing preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Summit.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the payout of P10,000 each to a total of 1,462 vendors and business owners in the cities of Pasay and Parañaque.

The beneficiaries also received family food packs to help meet their daily needs while their businesses remain temporarily closed.

The latest distribution follows previous payouts on Nov. 8 and 11, with the assistance program set to continue until Friday (Nov. 13).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the granting of financial assistance to those affected by the preparations for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, ensuring they have the means to support their loved ones during the events.

Under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, affected vendors and food stall owners in Pasay and Parañaque cities will each receive P10,000 in financial assistance and family food packs to help compensate for lost income.

The assistance is intended to ease the burden on vendors whose businesses have been temporarily disrupted by preparations for the biannual regional summit of Southeast Asian leaders along with other heads of state.

The ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings is scheduled to be held on November 15-17.

Aside from financial aid, the Marcos administration is also providing temporary employment to workers affected by preparations for the ASEAN Summit.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided emergency employment to 60 individuals under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

The emergency employment initiative began on Wednesday to provide temporary income to affected workers.

The TUPAD program provides short-term employment to disadvantaged and displaced workers, helping them earn income while coping with interruptions to their regular sources of livelihood.

“Ang inisyatibang ito ay alinsunod sa direktiba ng Pangulo na itaguyod ang kapakanan ng mga manggagawang Pilipino,” said Castro.

As the Philippines prepares to host the regional gathering, President Marcos is working to ensure that the welfare of ordinary Filipinos remains a priority and that those whose livelihoods are disrupted receive the support they need