BACOLOD CITY – The city government has launched the "Bayad Agad" program to expedite the release of financial assistance to individuals in crisis here.
THE Bacolod City government launched the ‘Bayad Agad’ program on Monday, April 22, to expedite the release of financial assistance to individuals in crisis in Bacolod. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod PIO)
The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) which spearheads the program has released more than P500,000 in cash assistance to 77 beneficiaries under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) during its official launching at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Monday, April 22.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said the city thought of a way to ensure that individuals in crisis will receive the immediate financial assistance on the day that they visit the office, because usually it takes a few days, weeks, or even months to get the aid because of the long government process.
“No need to wait,” the mayor said, adding that the assistance through the Bayad Agad program is like an emergency fund.
Of the 77 beneficiaries, 47 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) received assistance ranging from P5,000 to P15,000, while four beneficiaries got burial assistance ranging from P2,000 to 5,000.
Two beneficiaries received P4,000 each for their educational assistance, and 24 others received medical assistance ranging from P4,000 to P5,000.
Included in the first batch of the beneficiaries were fire victims from Barangay 18 and about 20 walk-in clients, according to Alma Gustilo, DSSD officer-in-charge.
Gustilo said the program covers those in need of medical, burial, calamity, and other assistance from the city government, as long as they have complied the necessary requirements. The city can also track down recipients to avoid duplication.
He said that P10 million was initially allocated by the city government for the program.
Benitez said that if the program here is successful, he would encourage other local government units (LGUs) to follow it. “This is one of the good practices that we are promoting,” he added.