A total of 5,500 Ilonggos from this city received close to PHP24.5 million in government assistance extended by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Under the DOLE-Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), 4,000 beneficiaries received close to PHP5,000 each, while 1,500 were recipients of PHP3,000 each under the DSWD Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in separate payouts on Aug. 31, according to a news release from the office of Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda on Tuesday.

“We made sure we can provide for their requests. We looked for funds, and 4,000 residents availed the DOLE TUPAD. And we are happy they received their almost PHP5,000 allowance or salary,” Baronda said.

The recipients were tapped to conduct cleanup activities to help prevent the spread of dengue.

Meanwhile, among the AKAP recipients was Louie Garingo, a person with disability (PWD), who said he would use the money to revive his goldfish business.

A senior citizen, Ernesita Jimenez, from the Jaro district, said she will use the money to buy her medicines.

“We would like to let our residents feel the love of our government. Yes, we push for laws, and we champion our advocacies in the halls of Congress. At the same time, we bring in infrastructure projects and assistance that can be felt by our people,” Baronda said.

AKAP is funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2025 under House Speaker Martin Romualdez and supported by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

At least 12,000 slots are allotted for the Lone District of Iloilo City. (PNA)