Elderlies and other Barangay Banago residents in Bacolod City belonging to the urban poor sector are urged to get inoculated soonest and help educate their families about COVID-19 as their contribution to the city government’s campaign against the pandemic.

“You know how important vaccines are. Most of those in the hospitals today are the unvaccinated. Please help us educate and encourage others to get vaccinated, especially your family members,” said Mayor Evelio Leonardia on Wednesday, September 22, during the first payout at the Banago  Elementary School I Gym of 111 recipients of medical and burial assistance extended by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the agency’s ELCAC-Local Government Support Fund-Support to Barangay Development Program.

The city’s Department of Social Services and Development distributed a total of P511,000 worth of medical and burial assistance.

Of the 111 beneficiaries, 77 received medical assistance, while 34 others got burial aid.

Meanwhile, DILG-6 Project Evaluation Officer Jomar Lingaya said their agency  is monitoring the status of the projects, evaluating the required documents, and providing technical assistance on any issues and concerns related to its implementation.

Katherine Baron, one of the recipients of medical assistance, expressed her gratitude for the help extended by the government, saying that it came at a time when a marginalized resident like her is hard pressed to make both ends meet in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

“At present, life is really hard. But I am very thankful to the government for the support that I was given, especially for my mother who is suffering from cancer,” the teary-eyed Baron confided.

She added, “I really appreciate the assistance because of the relief that it provides us. I am praying for them (officials) and hope that they will continue to help us.”/WDJ