Cash assistance for indigents resumes

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -– Cash assistance for indigents seeking financial help from Iloilo provincial government resumed on  Monday after the recent approval of the P95.2 million supplemental budget by the Provincial Board, a PNA report said.

Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. made this announcement about the financial aid distribution under the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

Defensor apologized for the inconvenience brought by suspension of cash aid, explaining that they could not just easily withdraw funds from province’s coffers without concurrence from the PB. The cash aid for indigents was temporarily suspended last Nov. 9.

Of the total supplemental budget, P3 million was earmarked for the social programs of PSWDO such as the AICS that covers financial aid for medical and burial expenses, and for fire victims.

While the assistance depends on the needs of the indigent-beneficiaries, it usually ranges from P1,000 to P3,000, according to PSDWO chief Neneth Pador.

The delay of the approval of the supplemental budget was also due to the reorganization of 25 committees in the PB. —(FREEMAN)