The Bacolod City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Greg Gasataya, distributed more than P1.4 million in financial assistance to 358 beneficiaries during the Department of Social Services and Development – Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (DSSD-AICS) payout on May 12, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
The assistance provided much-needed relief to residents facing medical concerns, burial expenses, and fire-related losses.
A total of P1,435,500 was released during the payout. Of the amount, 313 beneficiaries received medical assistance totaling P1,217,500. Burial assistance amounting to P193,000 was granted to 43 beneficiaries, while two fire victims received a total of P25,000 in aid. The program brought comfort and reassurance to families dealing with illness, loss, and other unexpected emergencies.
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 levels. Alvarez 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. I was hospitalized because I was unable to take my medicine for three months, so I am very thankful to Mayor Greg for this assistance,” Alvarez said.
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 city government continues to extend financial aid and hope to the community.
SPROUT ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance was distributed to five organizational beneficiaries under the Sustainable Program for Resilient and Optimum Urban Transformation (SPROUT) Program during the City Development Council meeting on May 12, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
Farmer and fisherfolk organizations were among the 13 identified associations that received the aid amounting to a total of P9 million under the flagship initiative of the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) and the City Planning and Development Office.
The SPROUT initiative aims to empower marginalized sectors including farmers, fisherfolk, and senior citizens to reduce reliance on external food sources and adopt Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Among the recipients were: Federation of Homeowners Association Inc. — P3,000,000 for community-based greening efforts; Bacolod City Integrated Small Farmers Federation Inc. — P1,500,000; Bacolod City Fisherfolks Federation, Inc. — P1,000,000; Senior Citizen Association of Purok San Dionisio Inc. — P100,000 for localized urban farming projects; and Gardenville Homeowners Association Inc. — P100,000 for urban farming initiatives.
Gasataya emphasized that the P9 million allocation from the city’s 20 percent Development Fund is an investment in the people’s self-sufficiency.
“We believe that through the SPROUT program, we can reduce the volume of waste reaching our sanitary landfill. While we recognize that these initiatives require significant investment, we fully support them because they benefit the entire community,” he added.
The mayor further highlighted the environmental and civic impact of the program, noting its role in waste management and public accountability.
Beyond crop production, the initiative also includes bio-waste recycling and the development of stable market channels for produce, ensuring a sustainable path from cultivation to commerce.
Aside from the SPROUT grants, the city also started distributing Annual Investment Program shares to three barangays: Barangay Alangilan, Barangay Villamonte, and Barangay 18.
The funds will be used for the installation of solar streetlights and CCTV cameras in strategic areas to strengthen energy conservation and peace-and-order initiatives.*
