The enhanced community quarantine has greatly affected the socio-economic activities of urban poor and informal sector communities in Bacolod City. 

According to its community leaders, relief assistance from the local government has not been sufficient to address their everyday necessities. Others voiced out that the rice provided was of poor quality. Some of the leaders have not been shortlisted for the Social Amelioration Program, making everyday living more demanding. 

The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement – Negros (PRRM Negros), through the support of Western Visayas Network of Social Development NGOs, Inc. (WEVNET), distributed five (5) sacks of rice to their partner community leaders in Brgy. Banago, Brgy. Singcang-Airport, Brgy. Handumanan, and Brgy 29.

Budget concerns, as well as travel and mobility restrictions, limited PRRM Negros’s assistance to the city’s community leaders. Some leaders expressed appreciation, while others who did not receive made their sentiments known. 

Currently, the provincial network of PRRM Negros continues to raise funds for a second round of distribution.

By: Raul M. Hular