ILOILO CITY — The local government is expanding its social safety net, granting ₱1,000 each to 2,000 persons with disabilities and 1,000 senior citizens every quarter. Mayor Raisa Treñas's spokesperson Joy Gorzal confirmed the city had already released the first tranche to 900 indigent PWDs from Jaro, La Paz, Lapuz, and Arevalo districts in late April. Another round reached Molo, Mandurriao, and City Proper on May 5.
The city has also raised the number of senior citizens receiving locally funded social pensions from 8,000 to 9,000. Qualified seniors may apply through the City Social Welfare and Development Office or their barangay. Gorzal said beneficiaries can return for assistance every three months, making the aid predictable and reliable for households that need it most.
Beyond Cash: Long-Term Support Systems
The program links beneficiaries to services beyond the quarterly grant. Gorzal pointed to the Atipan Center, which provides therapy and emotional support for PWDs. "The center is a safe haven for those in need," she said. The city is simultaneously assisting families transitioning out of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
Children of 4Ps households who have aged out of eligibility can now access the Uswag Scholarship Program for college. Those interested in technical and vocational courses are referred to the Technical Institute of Iloilo City. Mothers receive additional financial support through Sustainable Livelihood Programs designed to augment their small businesses.
A Broader Social Protection Push
The expanded aid forms part of a wider social protection strategy. The city is rolling out the ₱30‑million Kabulig Pangkabuhayan Emergency Employment Program, expected to benefit over 5,000 residents affected by rising fuel prices. Nearly 1,000 taxi drivers have also received ₱1,000 fuel subsidy coupons.
"This is one of our campaign commitments, and we are fulfilling it by continuously increasing the number of beneficiaries," Treñas said. She stressed that the city prioritizes sustainable support over temporary aid. The approach reflects a shift toward combining immediate relief with long-term opportunities, ensuring growth remains inclusive as Iloilo City's economy expands.
