MANILA, Philippines – There are more than 1,400 vendors whose livelihoods have been affected by the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The DSWD said in a statement on Thursday, November 12, that it provided 1,462 vendors from Baclaran with P10,000 each from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, as well as family food packs, during aid distribution in Parañaque City on Wednesday, November 11.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian told reporters on Wednesday that the Parañaque City government forwarded to the DSWD a list of vendors affected in Baclaran, a bustling market area, amid security measures implemented for the ASEAN hosting.
The city government said street vendors are “temporarily prohibited” from operating along Roxas Boulevard and its service roads, from Redemptorist Road to Quirino Avenue, as well as the road beneath the Light Rail Transit until November 20.
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Since Baclaran is near Pasay City as well, the DSWD is also coordinating with the local government to identify more affected vendors in the area.
“Bagamat humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa mga naantala ang hanapbuhay dahil sa napipintong ASEAN Summit, ang direktiba ng ating Pangulo ay masigurado na mabigyan sila ng tulong pinansiyal kasi alam natin na wala silang kikitain sa mga araw na ‘yon,” Gatchalian said on the sidelines of the aid distribution.
(We apologize to those whose livelihoods were put on hold because of the upcoming ASEAN Summit, but the directive of the President is to ensure that they will be given financial support because we know they will not have earnings during those days.)
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In Pasay City, around 50 ambulant vendors and eatery workers also received P10,000 and family food packs on Wednesday.
It was the second batch following the aid distribution to some 30 individuals on Sunday, November 8.
Most of the beneficiaries were located along Diokno Boulevard.
“Malaking tulong na rin naman po kahit papaano…. Pagkakasyahin hangga’t walang trabaho (This is still a great help somehow. We’ll make do with it while we have no work),” said Anabel de Luna, 34. The eatery where she works temporarily closed on Monday, November 9, and may resume operations on November 20 or 21.
But others like Rizal Villaula, a 40-year-old pares cart owner, had to stop selling on October 22 amid road clearing operations. He has since entered into multiple gigs, like towing services.
Maria Joanna Cristina Samarro, a 46-year-old ambulant vendor, has been selling cigarettes for the past weeks to earn just enough for some meals.
But she took the chance to set up her table in front of the Senate building, also along Diokno Boulevard, to sell various items such as bread, coffee, and soft drinks, as protesters gathered there on Wednesday morning.
When there are no road restrictions, she can earn up to P500 a day.
Gatchalian said remaining affected vendors in Parañaque City will receive their cash aid and food packs by Thursday.
Malacañang earlier declared November 16 to 18 as special non-working days in Metro Manila to make way for the ASEAN Summit. – Rappler.com
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