Pasay:Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured vendors and food stall owners in Pasay and Parañaque that they will receive government assistance due to the temporary closures of their businesses for the upcoming ASEAN Summit's security measures.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the provision of financial aid to those affected by the disruptions. The aid aims to support vendors during the summit when they will be unable to earn income. Gatchalian made these remarks during a payout event for affected vendors at the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School in Pasay City.

The DSWD plans to complete all payouts by Friday, ensuring vendors and their families' basic needs are met before the summit. Gatchalian emphasized the importance of addressing the crisis caused by disrupted livelihoods, stating that even a single day's loss of income can be considered a crisis for these individuals.

Each affected vendor will receive PHP10,000 through the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, along with family food packs (FFPs). Last Sunday, 30 establishments received payouts, and an additional 50 will receive aid today. Vendors near Baclaran Church in Parañaque City will also receive assistance once their local government units submit a finalized list of beneficiaries.

Gatchalian mentioned that there are 1,300 vendors from the Baclaran side of Parañaque, and Pasay is still validating its list of vendors. The goal is to distribute the PHP10,000 financial assistance and food packs by Friday. The President's directive is to ensure aid is provided before the ASEAN Summit begins.