Iloilo Resumes Barangay Funding, Crisis Assistance After BSKE Postponement

 

The Iloilo provincial government has resumed distributing financial assistance to barangays and individuals in need following the postponement of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

The Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) Program resumed distributing checks on October 2 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. The second batch covered barangays in Guimbal, Igbaras, Miagao, Tubungan, Alimodian, and Zarraga.

Barangay officials may coordinate with their municipal Liga coordinators and Liga presidents to arrange the release of their assistance. Other barangays were also given schedules for the next distributions.

The funding is intended to support community development projects and local initiatives.

Meanwhile, the provincial government resumed its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program on September 29, according to Rani Melvi Cuarte, head of the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (OPSWDO).

The government suspended AICS payouts on September 18 because of election-period restrictions on the release and spending of public funds. During the suspension, the OPSWDO continued accepting and processing applications so assistance could be released once the restrictions were lifted.

The resumption of both programs followed the signing of Republic Act No. 12326 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 24. The law moved the BSKE, originally scheduled for November 2, 2026, to the second Monday of November 2028. It also allows incumbent barangay and SK officials to remain in office until their duly elected and qualified successors take over.

The earlier suspension was based on Comelec Resolution No. 11265 and relevant provisions of the Omnibus Election Code governing public spending during the election period, subject to applicable exemptions.

Other assistance programs affected by the restrictions included Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. (Story source and photo credit: PIA Iloilo.)