Governor Sol Aragones on Monday reopened the provincial government’s medical and burial assistance program for indigent residents through seven newly activated “Akay ni Gob Action Centers” across the province.

Araganoes said the initiative, in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), aims to bring social services closer to the people by providing designated locations for receiving and processing assistance requests.

The action centers are now operational in San Pedro City (1st District); Cabuyao City (2nd District); San Pablo City (3rd District); Santa Cruz town (Laguna’s capital, 4th District); Biñan City (Lone District); Santa Rosa City (Lone District) and Calamba City (Lone District).

During her visit, Aragones emphasized the centers’ role in facilitating faster payout and approval of aid applications. She also announced plans to open more centers to serve the 4th District’s 13 other municipalities beyond Santa Cruz, as well as the 2nd District towns of Los Baños and Bay.

“We are committed to bringing government services closer to our communities, especially those in greatest need,” the governor said in an interview.

To apply for medical assistance, residents must submit a Certificate of Indigency from their barangay, a valid ID of the beneficiary, a medical certificate or clinical abstract, and the final hospital bill. For burial assistance, applicants need a Certificate of Indigency, a valid ID, a Death Certificate, and a Funeral Contract.

The “Akay ni Gob Action Centers” will assist in processing and releasing the approved aid to qualified beneficiaries. (PNA)