By Sam Ramos
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Caraga Region, in partnership with Agusan del Norte 2nd District Representative Dale Corvera, has distributed PHP6.4 million in financial assistance under the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) to support low-income families and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the province.
The aid was provided to 2, 162 beneficiaries in Agusan del Norte, including IP families and low-income earners supporting college students, with each receiving PhP 3, 000. Distribution events were held in Cabadbaran City, Remedios T. Romualdez for residents from Magallanes and Tubay, and Kitcharao for families from Jabonga and Santiago on October 30.
Rep. Corvera emphasized that the program specifically targets vulnerable sectors, particularly IPs and households with limited income. “These payouts primarily support Indigenous Peoples and heads of households who are minimum wage earners or low-income families with college students,” Corvera stated.
An additional 1, 189 beneficiaries from Buenavista, Nasipit, and Carmen received assistance earlier in the week. The DSWD and local government aim to reach a total of 20, 000 beneficiaries by year-end, with continued disbursements scheduled for November and December.
Among the beneficiaries was Ireneo, a 48-year-old Manobo father of four from Barangay Puting Bato, who expressed gratitude for the aid. “My salary as a janitor cannot sustain my family’s needs, so I drive on weekends for extra income. This assistance will help us with essentials like rice,” he shared.