Iloilo City doubles AICS fund to PHP 30 million in 2026

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government is proposing a PHP 30 million allocation for the Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program in 2026, more than double last year’s PHP 12.5 million budget.

The increase is among the major highlights of the proposed PHP 4.5 billion executive budget for 2026, which Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu formally submitted to the City Council for deliberation.

AICS is a social welfare program that offers urgent support to individuals and families in crisis, including medical aid, burial support, transportation, educational assistance, food, or emergency financial help.

Treñas-Chu said the proposed budget also fully covers personal services requirements for city employees under the Second Tranche of Salary Standardization Law 6.

The city is also proposing a 100 percent increase in funding for coffin assistance, now expanded to cover funeral services for indigent families.

Additionally, PHP 30 million is allocated for the Cash-for-Work for Resilient Communities Program under the Public Employment Service Office to provide short-term jobs for displaced and low-income residents.

The proposed budget includes a 50 percent increase in funding for the Educational Financial Assistance Program for college students.

It also provides a 284 percent budget increase for medicines targeting non-communicable diseases.

The city plans to boost rice subsidy funding for persons deprived of liberty in both the City and District Jails.

Additional funding is allocated for SOGIE and gender inclusion programs, the Barangay Outreach Program, and the Atipan Center for women and children in crisis.

Meanwhile, the city government expects to generate PHP 83.97 million in 2026 from Local Economic Enterprises, including seven district public markets and the city slaughterhouse.

Treñas-Chu noted that only a minimal revenue increase is expected due to ongoing market rehabilitation.

Based on official estimates, the Iloilo Terminal Market and the Iloilo City Slaughterhouse will remain the top earners, generating PHP 26 million and PHP 20 million, respectively.

Of the total projected receipts, 38.94 percent will fund salaries and benefits for market and slaughterhouse employees.

The remaining 61.06 percent will be allocated for maintenance and other operating expenses such as utilities, repairs, and market operations.

The Terminal Market and Central Market, currently under redevelopment through a public-private partnership with SM Prime Holdings Inc., are scheduled to reopen on Oct. 30.