The Department of Social Services and Development-Bacolod disbursed P1.1 million in medical and burial assistance to 233 individuals under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
This is the second batch of recipients; the initial 675 individuals also previously received a total of P3.56 million in assistance, the city said in a press release Aug. 6.
The assistance included medical and burial aid, ranging from P3,000 to P5,000, in addition to the standard AICS support.
Recipient Sonia Parohinog expressed her gratitude. “This will greatly help me with my maintenance medicines. It will go a long way, because I can also give some baon to my grandson.”
Parohinog received P5,000 in medical assistance.
Executive assistant Jovelyn Dato-on urged the beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, and warned against individuals falsely claiming to be coordinators and soliciting commissions.
“We just want to make sure that the help you receive goes directly to your maintenance medicines, dialysis procedures, and other daily needs,” Dato-on said.
Meanwhile, the Bacolodnon nga Kakababayen-an para sa Kauswagan Federation Inc., under the leadership of president Nelly Laurenzo, received tools for a dressmaking and tailoring livelihood project Aug. 6, at the Bacolod Government Center lobby.
The project was facilitated through the City Development Council.
Eleven of the 12 expected association beneficiaries were present to receive the livelihood package that includes two sewing machines, one zigzagger machine, four rolls of fabric, scissors, and various sewing threads.
Elsie Payumo, one of the associations’ presidents, expressed her gratitude, noting this was the first time that their group had received such support. “We are very thankful for the help of the city, especially the City Development Council through Ma’am Mary Jean Ramos, who helped make this project possible for our federation.”
Mayor Greg Gasataya reiterated the city’s commitment to supporting community-based livelihood programs, regardless of political affiliation. “What’s important is the support of the city as long as the organization is transparent and fair, not just to us but also to their members.”
At the ceremonial turnover, Gasataya encouraged the women to maximize the use of the equipment, reminding them of its potential positive impact. “These equipment and materials being turned over to you today will truly help your families, your groups, and each member represented here.”
Also present at the turnover were councilors Em Ang, Celia Flor, Caesar Distrito, Homer Bais, and Wilson Gamboa Jr., DSSD head Richelle Verdeprado, and RPSD officers from barangays Banago and 27. ||
