Over 1,500 vendors receive ₱10,000 each after ASEAN Summit preparations disrupt livelihoods

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 13, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — More than 1,500 vendors and small business operators affected by temporary closures ahead of the ASEAN Summit have received government assistance, as security preparations disrupt livelihoods in parts of Metro Manila.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed ₱10,000 in cash assistance and family food packs to 1,462 vendors in Baclaran, Parañaque City, on November 12.

The assistance aims to help vendors cover daily expenses while their businesses are temporarily closed because of security arrangements for visiting world leaders.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian supervised the distribution at the Parañaque Coliseum, alongside Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez and other government officials.

The financial support was provided through the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

The department also reported assisting 90 small eateries in Pasay City, bringing its reported total across the two groups to 1,552 beneficiaries.

Government apologizes for disrupted livelihoods

The temporary restrictions have affected street vendors, food stalls and small eateries that rely on daily sales.

Gatchalian apologized to business owners whose operations were suspended because of security requirements surrounding the international gathering.

“Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa lahat ng mga vendors, karinderya, eateries na naapektuhan nitong ASEAN summit,” he said.

He explained that authorities needed to temporarily halt operations in certain areas to accommodate security arrangements for foreign leaders.

The DSWD chief said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had instructed the agency to ensure that affected workers receive financial support to help offset their lost income. 

More vendors expected to receive assistance

The government is preparing another round of assistance for approximately 700 to 800 vendors on the Pasay City side of Baclaran.

The DSWD aims to distribute their cash assistance and food packs on November 13, before the ASEAN Summit begins.

Officials are also coordinating with local government social welfare offices to identify other affected vendors and determine whether additional assistance is necessary.

Gatchalian emphasized that even a temporary interruption in daily earnings can create financial difficulties for workers and families who depend on their businesses for income.

ASEAN Summit preparations affect local businesses

The Philippines is preparing to host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from November 16 to 18, bringing together regional leaders and international delegates.

Security measures around summit venues include traffic restrictions and temporary business closures in designated areas.

The DSWD has advised vendors who have not received assistance to coordinate with their local government offices for assessment and referral.

Its social workers are also visiting affected communities to identify residents who may qualify for support.