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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Mayor Isko channels mom's resilience in P5-M aid rollout for 1,000 micro-biz owners

Mayor Isko channels mom's resilience in P5-M aid rollout for 1,000 micro-biz owners

Published May 7, 2026 12:17 pm  |  Updated May 7, 2026 03:21 pm

The Manila city government released P5 million in capital assistance to 1,000 small business owners on Thursday, May 7, in a bid to strengthen local livelihoods amid the ongoing Middle East crisis and its ripple effects on the economy.

Beneficiaries from Manila’s six districts receive P5,000 each in capital assistance under the Kaagapay sa Kabuhayan Program at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila, on Thursday, May 7. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
Beneficiaries from Manila’s six districts receive P5,000 each in capital assistance under the Kaagapay sa Kabuhayan Program at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila, on Thursday, May 7. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso led the distribution at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate under the Kaagapay sa Kabuhayan Program. Each beneficiary received P5,000 in seed capital to start or expand micro-enterprises such as carinderia stalls, banana cue vending, and other food-based livelihood activities.

He acknowledged the financial pressure faced by many Manila households, citing the continuing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on local economic conditions, including inflation and job insecurity.

Domagoso emphasized, however, that the aid is not for immediate consumption but for disciplined reinvestment, echoing the resilience and resourcefulness he learned from his mother in Tondo.

“Yung nanay ko, pagkakakita ng lote, nagtatanim ng talbos ng kamote… talbos ng kamote ang tinanim, bahay na ang tumubo (My mother, when she found a vacant lot, planted sweet potato tops… she planted sweet potato tops, and a house eventually grew there),” he recalled, stressing how small beginnings can lead to long-term gains.

He also cited a pandemic-era beneficiary who turned a P1,000 assistance into a successful food business now popular on social media, urging recipients to treat the new aid in the same way, as capital for growth, not spending.

“Isang libo lang 'yung nakuha niya, isa na siyang sikat na kainan (He only received one thousand pesos, and now he already has a popular eatery),” Domagoso said.

Alongside the cash assistance, the city distributed 100 starter kits across seven livelihood tracks, including unisex hair cutting, massage, nail care, bread and pastry, hair dressing, cookery, and skin care.

Beneficiaries came from Manila’s six congressional districts, Baseco, and the Manila Manpower Development Center, totaling 1,020 recipients.

Priority was given to persons with disability, solo parents, indigent and senior citizens, special cases, and MMDC graduates.
The mayor also reminded beneficiaries to practice delayed gratification and prioritize reinvestment in their livelihood.

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