LAPU-LAPU City’s 6,412 Urban Poor Association officers across the mainland and Olango Island are set to receive a P1,500 honorarium.
Kyle Jasper L. Aying, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Urban Poor Affairs Office (UPAO), confirmed the distribution in an interview on Monday, July 14, 2025.
Aying explained that the distribution is being conducted in batches to accommodate all recipients.
Officers are selected by their respective associations for a three-year term.
Replacements may occur earlier if leadership is deemed ineffective, with final decisions resting with the Lapu-Lapu City Urban Poor Affairs Office.
For officers who are pregnant or are persons with disabilities (PWDs), a family member may claim the honorarium on their behalf, provided they present an authorization letter and a valid ID.
Lapu-Lapu residents interested in joining the city's urban poor program must be registered voters.
Cecilia Abanto, 50, a resident of Brgy. Basak, Lapu-Lapu, and an officer since 2019, expressed her gratitude.
She noted that such recognition only began when the current mayor took office.
“We are very happy because we didn’t expect anything since this is just voluntary. If you're an officer in an urban community, your service is really voluntary. You don't expect anything. Still, we are very thankful that we are also being given something. I will surely buy groceries for our everyday needs,” Abanto said.
Gerald Besmanos, 33, also a resident of Basak, stated in a separate interview that he plans to use the honorarium for groceries and encourages other residents to join their association.
The alliance of urban poor communities implements stronger and more inclusive housing and livelihood programs for low-income families. (Jessa M. Bacus, UV intern and Ericka May Charcos, HNU intern)