President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday personally handed over government aid to beneficiaries of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The AKAP aims to protect minimum wage earners from the effects of high inflation.

“We are here to continue to support and bring whatever help we can, kung anuman ang maitulong namin para sa mga nangangailangan. Alam po namin na napakahirap ang inyong dinadaanan,” President Marcos said in his speech.

The President vowed to continue monitoring the needs of Filipinos affected by disasters.

“Basta’t asahan po ninyo na nandito ang inyong national government, nandito ang provincial government, nandiyan po ang ating mga deputado, both in the first district and in the second district, na tumutulong lahat,” the President said.

The distribution of aid was made possible by the whole-of-government approach and the unity among government sectors, the President said. He commended various agencies for their support.

“At sana naman pagdating ng Pasko ay mararamdaman na natin na gumaganda na [ang inyong lagay]. Hangga’t maaari tayo ay nandito upang tuloy-tuloy na tumulong,” he said.

Marking the 107th birthday of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., the younger Marcos pledged to continue his father’s commitment to helping those in need.

President Marcos also distributed AKAP assistance in Batac, Ilocos Norte on the same day. Some 16,500 AKAP beneficiaries in Ilocos Norte will receive PhP5,000 each. Of the total beneficiaries, 7,000 are from District 1 while 9,500 are from District 2. PND