The Bacolod and Negros Advocate Association of Gays LGBT, Inc. (BANAAG), led by president Lyndon Tupas, received a check worth P500,000 from the Bacolod City government in simple rites held at the Bacolod City Government Center on Sunday.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran led the ceremonial turnover to the LGBT group together with financial assistance author Councilor Dindo Ramos, and other officials.

Tupas said the financial assistance will be used for their HIV campaign seminars, medical missions and livelihood projects.

Familiaran, meanwhile, encouraged the LGBT group to be extra careful in this time and, if possible, get booster shots for extra protection./WDJ