The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to distribute up to ₱10,000 each in financial assistance to approximately 30 vendors in Pasay City whose livelihoods were halted due to preparations for the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
According to DSWD Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the affected vendors—who faced temporary closures of small businesses, food stalls, and eateries—will also be provided with family food packs.
Local authorities ordered the temporary suspension of these operations as part of security and traffic management protocols near key venues hosting ASEAN meetings and foreign delegates.
The DSWD-National Capital Region is currently working alongside the Pasay City government and its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to evaluate if additional vendors in the area experienced income loss.
“Alam po natin na mabigat po sa ating mga kababayan na pansamantalang pagtigil ng operasyon. Hindi na po nila kailangang mag-alala dahil makikipag-tulungan tayo sa Pasay LGU para matukoy kung mayroon pa bang ibang vendors na apektado doon sa area,” Dumlao said.
Additionally, vendors opting to temporarily return to their home provinces during the summit preparations can apply for aid through the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
“Bukas po ang aming tanggapan sa DSWD Satellite Office sa Commonwealth, Quezon City o di kaya ay makipag-ugnayan lamang sila sa kanilang CSWDO para matulungan silang makapag-avail ng programa,” Dumlao added.