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 held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

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 this 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. (Bacolod City Communications Office)