‘Dialysis, chemotherapy patients need more support’ – Mayor Dagadag, VM Basungit back additional ₱3,000 cash aid in Tanudan

Banagao, Tanudan – Residents undergoing dialysis and chemotherapy treatments in Tanudan may soon receive additional financial assistance as Mayor Jaedicke Rhoss Dagadag and Vice Mayor Antonio Basungit Jr. announced a proposed support program aimed at easing the burden of medical expenses for patients battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

The proposal seeks to provide cash assistance to dialysis and chemotherapy patients, reflecting the municipal government's continuing efforts to strengthen social welfare services and support residents with urgent healthcare needs.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Dagadag said the program is still being finalized and is targeted for implementation next year. While the initial proposal focused on dialysis patients, Basungit recommended expanding the coverage to include chemotherapy patients as well.

Dagadag explained that the assistance program may be implemented alongside the municipality's existing burial assistance program and could also be linked to the government's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

“Daytoy ket cash assistance or allowance ket para kadagitoy dialysis ken chemo patients tayo ditoy Tanudan—although proposal paylang, pang next year isunga maigiddan idiay burial assistance. Mabalin nga i-include idiay AICS metlang,” he said.

The mayor noted that many dialysis and chemotherapy patients face significant financial challenges due to the high cost of treatment, transportation, medicines, and other related expenses. Through the proposed assistance, the local government hopes to provide additional relief to affected families.

Meanwhile, Basungit said the municipality is considering granting an additional ₱3,000 cash assistance to qualified dialysis and chemotherapy patients on top of aid they may already receive through AICS and other government programs.

“Daytoy ket tulong ken mangnayon iti suporta nga maawat dagiti pasyente tapno mabawasan ti gastos ken rigat dagiti umili …kasi maibilang nga special case dagitoy gapu iti kinangina ti gastos isunga ti plano ket adda additional nga P3,000 cash aid aside from dagidiay maawatda da from AICS,” he said.

Municipal officials acknowledged that patients undergoing regular dialysis sessions or chemotherapy treatments often require sustained financial support because of the long-term nature of their illnesses. Many families, particularly those living in remote communities, continue to struggle with recurring medical and travel expenses.

Dagadag added that the proposal reflects the municipal government's commitment to improving the welfare of its residents through close collaboration between the executive and legislative branches.

“Amin nga pagsayaatan ti Tanudan ket pagtinnulungan mi kenni Vice Mayor nga aramiden,” he said.

If approved and funded, the proposed assistance program will become one of Tanudan's social welfare initiatives designed to support vulnerable residents, particularly those facing serious health conditions.