By Junex Doronio

MANILA – A total of ₱139,812,000 has been distributed to around 29,906 beneficiaries in Davao City, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte over four days, under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, alongside Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and local partners, spearheaded a four-day AKAP payout from October 18 to 21 across Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao City. This initiative was carried out on President Marcos’ instructions to aid low-income and vulnerable residents.

The distribution began on Friday in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, followed by events in Davao de Oro over the weekend, and concluded in Davao City on Monday, where former Civil Service Commission Chair Karlo Nograles led the distribution.

Nograles coordinated the Davao City payout, which provided ₱14.5 million to 4,859 beneficiaries.

Speaker Romualdez emphasized that this initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Davaoeños.

“The care and concern of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. drive us to ensure that every Filipino, especially those in Davao, are not left behind. We will continue working to secure your well-being,” Romualdez said.

Following President Marcos’ orders, Speaker Romualdez and DSWD ensured that aid reached those in most need, with AKAP helping ease everyday financial burdens.

Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada Jr. highlighted the administration’s focus on providing timely assistance to marginalized sectors, especially in economically disadvantaged communities.

On October 18 in Davao del Norte, ₱48,625,000 was distributed to 9,725 beneficiaries, each receiving ₱5,000. Beneficiaries included teachers, non-teaching personnel, mall employees, private hospital staff, and other low-income residents. Vice Governor Oyo Uy and Rep. Alan Dujali played key roles in facilitating the distribution.

During the weekend of October 19 and 20, the AKAP distribution moved to Davao de Oro, where ₱76,610,000 was distributed to 15,322 beneficiaries, each receiving ₱5,000. The beneficiaries included barangay workers, school personnel, and other low-income earners. Financially challenged students also received aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

Local leaders such as Rep. Maricar Zamora, Councilor Myrill Apit of Mawab, Vice Mayor Honeyboy Libuangan of Laak, and other leaders from Maco, Mabini, and Nabunturan helped ensure smooth distribution.

On October 21, Nograles led the Davao City payout, distributing ₱14,577,000 to 4,859 beneficiaries, each receiving ₱3,000. The aid targeted low-income residents struggling with daily expenses.

“President Marcos always has your well-being in mind. We will continue working together to provide the necessary aid, especially for those in most need,” Nograles said.

Romualdez credited the success of the AKAP distribution to the close cooperation between national and local officials, praising the support of local leaders such as Nograles.

“The support of local leaders like Atty. Karlo Nograles is crucial to the success of projects like these,” Romualdez noted.

Nograles expressed gratitude for the national government’s focus on Davaoeños’ welfare.

“I am deeply thankful to President Marcos’ administration and Speaker Romualdez for their care and support for the people of Davao. With AKAP, more of our fellow citizens are being helped here in Davao City,” Nograles said.

With the success of the AKAP distribution in the Davao region, Speaker Romualdez assured that the government will continue to extend financial aid and other support to drive recovery and development in local communities.

“We will continue delivering aid to the communities that need it most, especially in the Davao provinces. Our administration is focused on providing long-term solutions to uplift the lives of every Filipino,” Romualdez said.

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