The Bacolod City government distributed more than P1.4 million in financial assistance to 358 beneficiaries of the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations in a payout May 12 at the Government Center.
The assistance provided much-needed relief to residents facing medical concerns, burial expenses, and fire-related losses, the city said May 13, adding that 313 beneficiaries received medical assistance totaling P1,217,500; burial assistance of P193,000 to 43 beneficiaries, while two fire victims received P25,000 in aid.
The AICS program brings comfort and reassurance to families dealing with illness, loss, and other unexpected emergencies, the city said.
One of the beneficiaries, Jocelyn Alvarez, 49, from Hervias 2, Villamonte, shared how the assistance helped her continue her medication after being hospitalized due to low potassium.
She said she had been unable to purchase her maintenance medicine for three months because of financial difficulties. “This assistance is a huge help because I can finally buy my maintenance medicine again. I have asked for help several times, and the city government has always been there to support us.”
Alvarez also praised the smooth and organized payout process, noting that city personnel were accommodating and properly guided beneficiaries throughout the release of assistance.
Through programs like AICS, the local government continues to extend financial aid and hope to the community, the city said. ||
