President Hipolito Mejia visited the low income neighborhoods of Los Praditos, Cristo Rey, Simon Bolivar, Guaricanos and Villa Mella to participate in the low cost food program. During the visit, construction materials for home repairs was distributed and he posed for photographers as he pegged a nail and board to a house in Villa Mella. His government has announced the start of a RD$70 million program that would make RD$10,000-RD$250,000 loans available to small businesses at 1.2% monthly interest rates with up to three year repayment plans. The government also announced the implementation of permanent medical assistance programs, day care centers, and environmental clean ups.
