LAST Monday, June 24, members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Mandaluyong were given food packs and PHP 5, 000 in financial aid in celebration of Pride Month. This was aimed toward both low and middle-income earners.
The money used in this came from the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD,) as explained by the office of the House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez. The food packs, on the other hand, came from the DSWD.
AKAP’s beneficiaries are composed of members of the LGBT Pilipinas group and from the City of Mandaluyong.
Romualdez went on to explain that as the LGBTQIA+ community has long been a solid, vibrant part of the nation’s progress and development, this financial aid thus served as a symbolic gesture of the organization’s solidarity with them.
“Para ito sa mga kababayan natin na nahihirapan sa hamon ng araw-araw na pamumuhay,” he added.
“Alam nating hindi permanente ang ating paghihirap, at darating ang panahon na makakaluwag tayo at aahon.”
Through this act, they hope that it is a step toward creating a society where anyone can prosper, regardless of their SOGIE.
Romualdez stated: “You have been at the forefront of advocating for equal rights, and your efforts have significantly shaped a more inclusive Philippines. Today, we honor your contributions and pledge our continued support for your endeavors.”
Present at the program were Ferdinand Romualdez and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos to distribute the cash grants. Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Public Attorney’s Office Chief Persida Acosta, and many more government officials were also present to show their love and support toward the LGBTQIA+ community.
As per Sofonias Gabonada Jr., the House Deputy Secretary-General, this coincided with Mandaluyong’s LAB4ALL program.
