By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City government completed the distribution of P9 million in cash subsidies to 1,500 registered solo parents, marking the conclusion of the city’s locally funded assistance program for the second half of 2025.
Under the program, each beneficiary received P6,000 to cover the period from July to December 2025.
City officials clarified that the subsidy is funded entirely by the local government and is separate from national assistance programs administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The payout was implemented by the city’s Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), which organized the distribution in two batches to ensure orderly processing.
The first group of 750 solo parents received their assistance on Monday, February 16, at the Villamonte Gym, while the remaining 750 beneficiaries claimed their subsidies on Wednesday, February 18.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the program underscores the local government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable sectors, particularly solo-headed households facing rising daily expenses.
“These subsidies are an important part of our efforts to ensure all Bacolodnons have access to support when they need it,” Gasataya said.
The latest payout follows the first cash assistance distribution in October 2025, which covered the January to June period.
City officials said the two-semester schedule is intended to provide consistent and predictable support to qualified solo parents throughout the year.
Beneficiaries welcomed the assistance, noting its immediate impact on household needs.
Allen Barrientos, 53 years old, a tricycle driver and solo parent of two, said the subsidy will help fund his children’s expenses and the repair of his tricycle, his primary source of income.
He also urged fellow recipients to manage the aid responsibly and prioritize family necessities.
While the 2025 distribution cycle has concluded, the city government said preparations for the 2026 subsidy are still underway.
The DSSD is currently processing requirements and guidelines for next year’s coverage, with further announcements expected once finalized./CJ, WDJ