Negros Occidental (6 August) -- The local government of Escalante City is launching its Indigent Program designed to benefit constituents below poverty line or low income earners with malnourished children.

City Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. issued Executive Orders 08-10 to constitute and mobilize a task force on local indigent program and Executive Order 11 creating the implementing policies and guidelines on hospitalization assistance.

Indigent beneficiaries qualified to avail of the hospitalization assistance must be bonafide resident of Escalante City for at least six months, certified by the Brgy. Capt.or the Brgy. Kagawad, not gainfully employed, a registered voter of the city except those incapacitated to register due to physical or mental disabilities, and with Medicare Para sa Masa number.

When patient is a minor, his/her parents should meet all of the mentioned requirement.

Some Indigent Identification Cards were already handed to the barangays of the city through the City Social Welfare and Development office and the Barangay Nutrition Scholars. The bearer of the ID and his/her legal dependents are entitled to all the rights and privileges under the Indigent Program of the city. It must be presented when availing of services from the city government.