In a significant move to support its underprivileged residents, Davao City has increased the budget for the Lingap para sa Mahirap program to PHP600 million this year, up from last year’s PHP400 million, according to Ytalia Bohol, the program’s officer-in-charge. The program, which last year assisted 188,472 individuals, sees a daily influx of 700 to 800 clients across its main and satellite offices. The initiative primarily aids residents with funeral costs, medical expenses, and medication needs. Bohol emphasized that the program particularly focuses on cancer patients, noting the increased funding was necessary to meet the rising demand for services. Many clients rely on the program for monthly assistance with chemotherapy and other medications, which are available at 42 accredited private hospitals and three pharmacies: Kalingap Pharmacy, New Botica Concept, and Murang Gamot. To access medical bill assistance, clients must present the original final bill, a medical certificate, and a barangay certificate, though patients at Southern Philippines Medical Center only need to show the bill and a valid ID. For funeral assistance, the required documents include the original funeral bill, a death certificate, and a barangay certificate, covering expenses like caskets, wakes, and embalming.
