By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – The Himamaylan City government in Negros Occidental has extended P16.5 million in social services assistance to residents in the first six months of 2023.
Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson said the funds were coursed through the City Social Welfare Development Office.
“These services included medical assistance, cash assistance, and burial assistance aimed at supporting our kasimanwas in trying times,” Tongson said.
Tongson said the medical assistance program ensured access to essential medications not available at the City Health Office or the Governor Valeriano M. Gatuslao Memorial Hospital.
“We collaborated with local pharmacies in Himamaylan to fulfill our constituents’ medical needs,” he added.
Recognizing the financial burden of certain treatments, Tongson said the local government unit offered cash assistance for dialysis, chemotherapy, housing, transportation, psychological support, temporary shelter, and covered costs associated with ultrasounds, MRI scans, CT scans, and hospital bills at private facilities.
The LGU also provided burial assistance for indigent individuals and senior citizens, understanding the emotional and financial challenges faced during bereavement.
