LUNA, Apayao – Thousands of parents and senior high school students in Apayao received financial assistance from the Tulong Eskwela Program (TEP) on August 30 at EKB Gymnasium in San Isidro to help families in need of aid.
Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang led the distribution of aid to beneficiaries of the AKAP and TUPAD with the help of the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD Apayao) team and the Department of Labor and Employment.
The integration of Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) within the Tulong Eskwela Program (TEP) aims to provide immediate relief and employment opportunities for the parents and students.
AKAP is one of the programs of DSWD, “Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP),” and was designed to help those classified in the “near poor” segment. Through the AKAP, these families shall be aided to prevent their spiraling down below the poverty line.
PhP2,481,000 was distributed to the 827 beneficiaries of AKAP that day.
During the event, there were also 1500 slots given to the senior high school students of Flora, Sta. Marcela, Luna and Pudtol in which each recipient was granted PhP3,000.
In her talk, Bulut-Begtang encouraged students to study harder and support the different programs of Bagong Pilipinas under President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. On behalf of Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., his executive assistant Donato Balag relayed the governor’s message the provincial government is also continuously working to supplement the financial assistance given as an aid to the students and parents by the national government through its various programs like the ASAP or Apayao Student Assistance Program.
Additionally, Wenz Alferez conveyed the message of Board Member Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut Cunan reminding the beneficiaries to know and be aware of the different programs of the government and the efforts of the leaders in doing their best to lift every sector in Apayao through programs and services.
In the same event, a ceremonial pay out of TUPAD was also done. Fifteen beneficiaries from the municipality received PhP6,450 each. Participants were also provided orientation on AKAP and TUPAD by the department heads of the provincial government.
Other TUPAD workers were scheduled to have their pay out to their respective barangays.
Some other key leaders who joined the event were Glenn Murphy, Provincial Director; Gilbert Villanueva, Schools Division Office Chief DepEd; Atty. Edmar Pascua, Provincial Administrator; Jane Y. Adalan, DOLE; Gretchen P. Garcia, SWAD Team Leader; Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, municipal mayors and representatives from other line agencies. By Loremia Pareja
