DAVAO CITY – The city government has allocated P600 million for the Lingap para sa Mahirap program this year, an official said Friday.
Ytalia Bohol, officer-in-charge of the Lingap Program, said the amount is significantly higher than last year’s P400 million budget.
In 2024, the program served 188,472 people. The main office and satellite offices served 700 to 800 clients daily.
The Lingap para sa Mahirap Program helps underprivileged residents with funeral expenses, medical bills, and medications.
“We also prioritize cancer patients,” Bohol said in an interview. “The city government increased the funding to accommodate the growing number of clients.”
Most clients seek help with medication costs, she said.
“They can ask for assistance every month for their chemotherapy and other medications,” Bohol said, adding the program serves 42 private hospitals.
Three pharmacies –Kalingap Pharmacy, New Botica Concept, and Murang Gamot– are also accredited.
Clients who need help with medical bills must bring the original final bill, a medical certificate, and a barangay (village) certificate. For patients at Southern Philippines Medical Center, the program requires only the bill and a valid ID.
For funeral assistance, the office requires the original funeral bill, a death certificate, and a barangay certificate.
The assistance covers caskets, wakes, and embalming, Bohol said. (PNA)