Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday distributed cash assistance amounting to P28,500 to 57 street children from the different barangays in Bacolod City.

The children are part of the total 110 beneficiaries identified by the Department of Social Services and Development.

DSSD head Sally Abelarde said a number of these street children engage in mendicancy and one of the programs of the Leonardia administration is to provide them education assistance of P500 each annually to augment their needs in school.

Abelarde said the city government encourages these street children to go to school. "We reach out to them through the Task Force on Anti Mendicancy headed by Bing Pahilanga," she said.

Leonardia yesterday advised the children to study hard. He also reminded them that hard work and determination are the keys to success.

Meanwhile, Leonardia also distributed medical and burial assistance amounting to P21,500 to 19 indigent families from the different barangays in the city.

The medical assistance taken from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office fund was given by Leonardia to those who have family members who are in the hospital.*CGS

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