CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — As part of its continuing efforts to support vulnerable sectors and their families, the Provincial Government of Pampanga extended assistance to 3,402 psychiatric patients across the province on July 1.
Of the total number of beneficiaries, 156 came from the 1st District, 1,387 from the 2nd District, 769 from the 3rd District, and 1,090 from the 4th District.
Each beneficiary received P3,000 in financial assistance from the provincial government, along with 25 kilos of rice provided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., during separate distributions led by Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda at the Sta. Cruz Gym in Lubao and the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here.
In her message, Governor Pineda encouraged families and communities to look after one another and to seek timely care and intervention for health concerns before they worsen.
Among those who expressed gratitude was Rizalina Reyes of Sto. Tomas, Sasmuan, who shared the challenges of caring for a family member with a mental health condition. “We have been caring for our relative, who is a psychiatric patient, for three years. It is a great help that the Capitol is here to support us.”
Present during the distribution of assistance was Senator JV Ejercito, along with 1st District board members Cherry Manalo and Christian Halili; 2nd District board members Fritzie David-Dizon, Atty. Claire Lim, and Sajid Khan Eusoof; 4th District board members Dr. Kaye Naguit and Atty. Vince Calara; and Pampanga Councilors League president and board member Maynard Lapid.
The program is a reaffirmation of commitment of the provincial government to providing assistance, care, and support to Kapampangans facing mental health challenges and to the families who continue to care for them. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Gerald Gloton and Daniel Ombina
