The AKAP aid distribution in Baybay City, Leyte (Speaker's Office)

A total of 3,000 beneficiaries from various municipalities of the fifth district of Leyte received P3,000 cash assistance under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Introduced by the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, the AKAP program aims to protect minimum wage earners and those experiencing financial distress from the effects of inflation. 

Leyte 5th district Rep. Carl Cari and House Deputy Secretary General Ponyong Gabonada represented Romualdez during the payout activity at the city gymnasium in Baybay City, Leyte.

Joining them were the mayors of the fifth district: namely, Mayor Lemuel Gin Traya of Abuyog, Mayor Nathaniel Gertos of Bato, Mayor Jose Carlos Cari of Baybay City, Mayor Manuel Villahermosa of Hilongos, Mayor Botty Cabal of Hindang, Mayor Rogello Pua Jr. of Inopacan, Mayor Michael Dragon Javier of Javier, Mayor Ronaldo Lleve of Mahaplag, and Mayor Eric Pajulio of Matalom.

In his speech, Gabonoda says the Speaker remains committed to continuing and expanding the assistance programs of the Marcos administration.

He stressed that Eastern Visayas, the home region of the Speaker, remained a top priority.

Romualdez is the incumbent House representative of Leyte’s 1st district.