In a significant community outreach effort, Senator Lito Lapid led the distribution of cash assistance to 673 beneficiaries during an event held at the Iriga City Sports Center.
The beneficiaries were part of various assistance programs, including AKAP (Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita), AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations), and food pack distributions for evacuees affected by Typhoon Enteng.
Of the total beneficiaries, 500 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) received aid through the AKAP program, funded by Senator Lapid.
Additionally, 105 residents benefited from the AICS program of Iriga City, while 52 individuals were provided with food packs distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region V (DSWD ROV).
Several local officials were present to support the event, including city councilors Kgwd. Melnan Murallo-Asanza, Kgwd. Dandreb Abonite, Kgwd. Jeff Tino, Kgwd. Nikki Lagrimas, Kgwd. Boboy Guevara, Kgwd. JM Grimaldo, and Kgwd. Jessie Abonite.
Sangguniang Kabataan President Dessa Mare Lontayao also attended, along with BP Ross Orolfo, Mr. Jor’el Caayao, and Mr. Rex “Uno” Oliva Jr.
In his address, Senator Lapid expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Iriga, referring to himself as a “Bikolano-Irigueño at heart” due to personal connections to the city through his stepfather.
He also reflected on his years spent working closely with Indigenous Peoples, a relationship that has shaped his advocacy over time.
Lapid emphasized that Iriga City remains a priority for him and encouraged local officials and residents to approach him for any future assistance.