• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Office of Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez reported to have facilitated the release of nearly P30 million in medical, livelihood, and welfare assistance to constituents across the district in August 2026.
This is based on the monthly Financial Aid and Legislative Action Report released on Sept. 2.
The largest portion of the assistance came from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) UPLIFT Assistance, which amounted to P25.32 million and benefited 12,660 individuals throughout the Third District.
Under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program (MAIFIPP), the congressional office facilitated the release of P2.894 million in assistance for 179 patients.
The medical assistance was coursed through eight partner hospitals, including The Doctors’ Hospital, Riverside Medical Center, Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital, Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital, Dr. Ramon B. Gustilo Hospital, Metro Bacolod Hospital and Medical Center, South Bacolod General Hospital, and the Philippine Heart Center.
Of the MAIFIPP assistance, P1.438 million was allocated to support the Ikaayong Lawas on Wheels Program, the office’s mobile medical services initiative in partnership with Riverside Medical Center.
The office also facilitated the release of P1.1 million in funds under the Department of Labor and Employment Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, benefiting 200 residents of the district.
Meanwhile, P140,999 was provided through a DSWD-Social Welfare and Development guarantee letter to assist a constituent in securing a prosthetic leg.
Assistance for event solicitations, scholarships, infrastructure projects, and special cases totaled P127,991, benefiting nine individuals or recipients.
Apart from financial assistance, Benitez also continued his legislative work, filing six House bills and one House resolution during the same period. | GPB
