Three local government units in Negros Occidental released medical and cash assistance to resident-beneficiaries recently.
In Bago, 180 residents from barangays Atipuluan, Abuanan, Bagroy, Binubuhan, Ma-ao, and Taloc received P942,480 in assistance, including personal protective equipment and insurance benefits May 14.
The payout for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment, through Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, was attended by Bago officials, led by Vice Mayor Ramon Torres.
The 10-day program, from May 2 to 12, was implemented by the Public Employment Service Office-Bago, headed by Judee Lynn Lirazan.
It provided jobs for disadvantaged and displaced workers in the city, who each received P4,800 in salary.
Others at the distribution were councilors Ma. Josefa Matti, Jake Patrick Torres, Carlos Mondia, and Ma. Femmy Alvarez-Martir, ABC president Jovito Gahaton, executive assistant Jom Somcio, Binubuhan punong barangay Remy Jalea, Abuanan punong barangay Michael Bermudez, former councilor Jorge Araneta, and Aksyon Radyo Bacolod anchorman Renato “Boy” Duran, the city said in a press release.
In Kabankalan, Mayor Benjie Miranda and Councilor Joan Daclan Cagape led the payout of medical assistance to cancer and dialysis patients at the City Hall lobby May 10.
Nineteen patients received P5,000 each, or a total of P95,000; 13 cancer patients received P10,000 each, or P130,000 in all, and a patient with a lingering illness received P15,000, the city said.
Miranda reaffirmed his commitment to consistently provide aid to those in need and wished for their recovery, and stressed the importance of good health over material wealth.
He also announced adjustments in the burial assistance, from P3,000 to a range of P5,000 to P10,000. The city said hospital bill assistance was also increased to a maximum of P10,000.
In Victorias, 1,314 indigent senior citizens received their first semester stipend during the regional social pension payout held at the Victorias City Coliseum May 9.
The distribution, facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, was graced by Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, together with councilors Derek Palanca, Dino Acuña, and Audie Malaga, as well as City Social Welfare and Development officer Joy Reunir, Joan Briones representing Councilor Joji Larraga, program development officer Jezza Mae Alinsonorin, DSWD Region VI special disbursing officer Kristine Mangalus, OSCA head Erlinda Sarito, FSCAP Federation president Gilda Alojamiento, and the Barangay FSCAP presidents, among others.
Benitez also emphasized the city’s commitment to continue supporting its elderly population and ensuring their well-being.
He reiterated the importance of such initiatives in promoting inclusivity and social welfare within the community, the city said.
The Victorias City government also distributed the provincial subsidy of 26 Barangay Violence Against Women Desk Officers (BVAW DOs) and salary subsidy to 48 child development workers (CDWs) in Barangay IV, May 9.
Benitez graced the activity and recognized the invaluable contributions and role of CDWs and BVAW DOs in ensuring the safety and well-being of Victoriasanon women and children.
He added that he will hold a series of site visits to assess the needs of 48 Child Development Centers in the city, and assured the LGU’s commitment to supporting these vital community resources.
Benitez also emphasized the importance of having women’s centers for victims of violence and abuse. ||
