CEBU, Philippines — A total of ?2 million was distributed to 1,000 beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in Mandaue City yesterday.
This is to support individuals facing difficult circumstances by providing a variety of tailored services, including educational aid, food, transportation, medical support, burial services, and financial assistance.
The distribution was led by the political adviser of Senator Joel Villanueva, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7.
Cortes urged Mandauehanons to use the ?2,000 wisely for the necessary needs of every family.
“Mao la’y hangyo sa atong kaigsuonan nga unta maggamit sa hustong paagi, magamit sa bisan unsa basta kinahanglanon sa pamilya,” he said.
He added that the Mandaue City government also needs help from its citizens due to the effects of the looming La Niña phenomenon that the city has been experiencing.
“Ang Dakbayan sa Mandaue nanginahanglan sa inyong tabang. Mohangyo ko ninyo, gikan sa El Niño and karon La Niña...manglimpyo ta,” Cortes said.
He further said that he had already mandated the City Engineering Office, Department of General Services, and the barangays two months ago to conduct a clean-up drive.
Just recently, the city government collected over 200,000 kilograms of garbage in 27 barangays.
Cortes said that the collected tons of garbage are mostly plastic, which adversely affects the drainage systems. He added that this is one of the factors causing severe flooding in Mandaue, as garbage directly flows into the culverts and clogs them.
“Ang limpyong dakbayan, magsugod sa limpyong tugkaran. Manghangyo ko ninyo nga atong ilabay, i-dispose nato ang atong basura sa hustong pamaagi, atong ipagawas ang basura sa saktong oras sa collection,” Cortes said.
Additionally, Cortes said there is a counterpart for AICS financial assistance in the city which is called “Tabang Mandaue” and also provides financial assistance to its people.