Indigents in Iloilo could now seek financial aid from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) after the distribution of financial assistance resumed this week, according to PSWDO Chief Dr. Neneth Pador.

However, Pador said patients who were not catered last week when the aid was suspended could no longer avail of the assistance though it could be on a case-to-case basis.

She said financial assistance covers medical and burial expenses and is also given to victims of fire.

She said assistance for hospitalization and fire victims range from P1,000 to P3,000 and P2,000 for burial expenses after the clients complied with all the requirements.

For medical assistance, client should provide the PSWDO a copy of its original medical certificates and indigency certificate issued by its Punong Barangay or Municipal Social Welfare Office (MSWO).

For burial assistance, client should secure an original copy of death certificate from the hospital and an indigency certificate.

Jennebeth Eupan of Tubungan, Iloilo said he is hopeful the province will grant her request for medical assistance for her husband’s medication. He is currently confined at the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC).

Letecia Barrios of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo also asked for financial aid for her 16-year-old son who was injured in a car accident last November 1 and still confined at WVMC.

Barrios, who was at the Capitol last week, said he is hoping the PSWDO will grant her request.

Last November 9, the financial assistance of PSDWO has been temporarily suspended due to insufficient funds pending Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s approval of the P95 million supplemental budget.

The P3 million of that budget was allocated for the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Provincial Government.

Regularly, Pador said the PSWDO caters to an average of 60 to 100 indigents.

For inquiries, call PSWDO at 337-4750.*