By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – A representative of sugar farm managers in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, welcomed a newly launched health assistance program designed to ease the burden on farm workers when a family member falls ill or is hospitalized.
Lando Linaja, Encargado League representative, expressed deep appreciation for the Sickness Benefit Program of the Angels’ Wings Foundation, spearheaded by Talisay City First Lady Atty. Rowena “Weng” Lopez Lizares, who also serves as the foundation’s president.
Linaja said the program provides PHP 500 per day for five days, totaling PHP 2,500, to workers who are sick or have a hospitalized family member.
“This is a significant help for us,” Linaja said.
He noted that workers often turn to their Encargados for assistance during health-related emergencies.
Upon learning about the program, he felt no hesitation in supporting it, believing it would alleviate the financial strain of hospitalization or illness among workers and their families.
Atty. Lizares was joined at the program launch by her husband, Talisay City Mayor Neil E. Lizares, Vice Mayor Nic Jalandoni, other city officials, and farm managers from eight haciendas, which will serve as pilot areas for the initiative aimed at improving workers’ health and well-being.
The official launch took place on February 2, 2025, at Zone 12-A Barangay Hall, Carmela Valley Subdivision, Talisay City.
Lizares said she is deeply concerned about the health needs of sugar farm workers and collaborated with farm managers to address the challenges faced by families dealing with medical emergencies.
The program was conceptualized in response to the growing concerns of sugar workers, who, while struggling to make ends meet, also have to shoulder transportation, food, and medicine expenses when a family member is ill.
Moved by their plight, Lizares took action through the Angels’ Wings Foundation to provide tangible assistance.
The program targets 1,800 sugar farm workers and their families across eight haciendas.
She assured that funds will be available within 24 to 48 hours upon completion of requirements and endorsement by the farm manager.
The program takes effect immediately.
Lizares also stated that if successful, the initiative will be expanded to benefit other sectors in Talisay City.
Mayor Lizares, for his part, said the program complements the city’s existing health assistance initiatives for sugar farm workers and other sectoral groups.
He reiterated that addressing the health concerns of Talisay City residents remains a top priority of his administration.
