La Trinidad, Benguet – In a significant relief effort, 200 dialysis and cancer patients in Benguet received PHP5,000 cash assistance each on Friday. This financial aid is aimed at alleviating the burden of medical expenses for these individuals facing serious health challenges.

According to Philippines News Agency, the financial assistance was provided through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, funded by the office of Senator Lito Lapid. Mayor Romeo Salda indicated that the beneficiaries were selected based on assessments conducted by the municipal social welfare office, using a list from the local organization of cancer and dialysis patients. Laura, a 52-year-old kidney patient undergoing dialysis treatment for three years, expressed her gratitude for the assistance, noting its significant impact on her ability to purchase maintenance medicines.

Benguet Representative Eric Yap revealed that Senator Lapid has been consistently contributing funds for various welfare programs, including cash-for-work, medical assistance, and financial support, since assuming the role of the province’s caretaker in 2020. He also noted that part of the medical fund for indigent patients at the Benguet General Hospital comes from the senator. Lapid, in his message to the beneficiaries, reaffirmed his commitment to providing ongoing support to La Trinidad and the entire Benguet province, encompassing both medical and financial assistance.

In addition to healthcare support, Senator Lapid assured Benguet farmers of his commitment to backing the passage of the anti-agricultural smuggling bill. During his visit to the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading post, he emphasized the importance of farmers’ livelihoods in national sustenance. House Bill No. 9284, aimed at combating economic sabotage through agricultural smuggling, has already been passed by the House of Representatives and is currently at the committee level in the Senate, with Lapid as one of the principal authors and sponsors.