By CESAR JOLITO III

A total of P38 million in financial assistance was distributed to 6,903 beneficiaries across Negros Occidental’s 3rd District through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program from December 10 to 12.

The aid distribution covered five local government units, with each locality allocated P7.6 million to support residents affected by recent crises, including Typhoon “Tino” and livelihood disruptions.

Beneficiaries included 1,019 residents from Victorias City, 700 from E.B. Magalona, 1,572 from Silay City, 1,394 from Talisay City, and 2,218 from Murcia town.

Several recipients expressed gratitude for the assistance, citing its importance in helping families recover from calamities and prepare for the year-end holidays.

Argelita Tubongbanua of Talisay City’s Barangay Matab-ang, whose house was destroyed by “Tino,” said the financial aid would help her family rebuild.

“Our house was totally damaged by Typhoon ‘Tino.’ Thank you very much for helping us rebuild our house,” she said.

In Silay City, farmer Arlene Morales of Sitio Guimbala-on described the assistance as timely and crucial.

“This is such a big help for us, especially this coming Christmas and New Year,” she said.

The distribution was carried out with the assistance of the Social Welfare and Development team from the Regional Social Welfare and Development Office to ensure the orderly and efficient release of aid to qualified beneficiaries.

Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez reiterated his commitment to extending immediate and responsive support to constituents, particularly those affected by disasters and emergency situations, underscoring the importance of timely government intervention during times of crisis./CJ, WDJ