Iloilo city: The local government here continues to strengthen its delivery of social services, providing PHP1,000 financial assistance to 2,000 persons with disability (PWDs) and 1,000 senior citizens.

According to Philippines News Agency, Joy Gorzal, spokesperson for Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Tre±as, said the city government had already released PHP1,000 each to 900 indigent PWDs from Jaro, La Paz, Lapuz, and Arevalo districts last week. The financial aid is set to be distributed to beneficiaries from the Molo, Mandurriao, and City Proper districts on May 5.

Gorzal mentioned that beneficiaries can also seek therapy assistance at the Atipan (Care) Center, with the option to return every three months for further support. The initiative reflects the city's commitment to enhancing the welfare of its PWD community.

In addition to aiding PWDs, the city government has increased the number of senior citizens eligible for the locally-funded social pension, raising the count from 8,000 to 9,000. Qualified seniors are encouraged to apply through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) or their respective barangays.

Mayor Tre±as also engaged with members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), focusing on families whose children are no longer monitored by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. She emphasized that children interested in higher education can receive assistance through the city's Uswag Scholarship Program. Additionally, those opting for technical and vocational courses will be directed to the Technical Institute of Iloilo City.

Furthermore, Gorzal highlighted that the city government plans to support 4Ps mothers with assistance under the Sustainable Livelihood Programs, along with additional financial aid and allowances to bolster their business ventures.