ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Government has facilitated over P50-million cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as of July this year.
AICS is one of the social welfare services of DSWD that provides medical assistance, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance for other support services or needs of a person or family.
Data from the Office of the Executive Assistant for Social Services of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas showed that close to 15, 000 Ilonggos belonging to various sectors benefitted and have availed themselves of the financial assistance.
“The welfare of our beloved residents is one of our top priorities in our inclusive development agenda. Ensuring that every sector gets the support and assistance they need is our commitment,” Treñas underscored.
“The Iloilo City Government extends deepest appreciation to the programs of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. which are really a big help to our city and our beloved Ilonggos to recover from the effects of COVID-19, El Niño and other economic challenges,” the city mayor added.
Under DSWD’s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) that aims to protect minimum wage earners from the effects of high inflation, some 6, 600 Ilonggos including sari-sari store owners, market and ambulant vendors, pedicab drivers, riders and transport groups, and among others got cash aid amounting to a total of P14.5 million.
These initiatives, which the city government is also very thankful for, were made possible through the dedicated efforts of House Speaker Martin Romualdez; Cong. James “Jojo” Ang of Uswag Ilonggo party-list; senators Jinggoy Estrada, Loren Legarda, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla Jr., Joel Villanueva, Francis Escudero, Mark Villar, Aquilino Pimentel, Francis Tolentino, and Risa Hontiveros; former senator Sonny Angara; and Cong. Yedda Marie Romualdez of Tingog party-list.
The city mayor also acknowledged the valuable efforts of concerned City Hall Offices including the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and Office of the Executive Assistant for Social Services under Rose San Agustin, as well the continuous support of his daughter and Executive Assistant Raisa Treñas, reflecting the city’s commitments to ensuring the welfare and prosperity of every sector in Iloilo City.
“These financial assistance programs are a huge help to our beloved residents. The city government assures to continue to implement various programs and services beneficial to our residents especially those from grassroots. We are committed to ensuring that the lives of our residents are also improving alongside with the city’s continued growth, “ said Treñas.
Moreover, 394 college student scholars were beneficiaries of AICS educational assistance totaling to P3.470 million while 7, 000 more beneficiaries from different sectoral groups also availed themselves of financial assistance from the AICS program amounting to a total of P14 million.
The Iloilo City Government was also able to facilitate more than P17.8 million worth of financial assistance specifically hospital bills to close to 1,000 beneficiaries since January this year.
On the other hand, the city government also partnered with other government agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in bringing more beneficial programs for the city residents.
For one, a livelihood assistance to 233 beneficiaries here has been formally secured recently after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA and the turnover of a P5.49 million check between the DOLE and the city government for the Negosyo sa Kariton and Sari-sari Store Project.
The livelihood project seeks the inclusive maximization of micro-businesses in the metro through the distribution of 133 uniform food carts and the improvement of 100 sari-sari stores, made possible through the initiative of EA Treñas.
“Indi pwede nga dole-out lang kita pirme. For sustainability, we need to empower them with the right technology and equipment to ensure that we make it better for everybody,” emphasized City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) head Gabriel Felix Umadhay.
Also earlier, through the efforts of senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano, beneficiaries from different barangays in Iloilo City underwent an orientation and contract signing under the DOLE -Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (DOLE-TUPAD) Program.
DOLE-TUPAD is also implemented through the City PESO.
“We will continue to support the thrust on improving the sustainability of the projects of the city by providing work opportunities to achieve poverty reduction and economic growth,” Treñas said./PN
