Typhoon-hit towns get P4M worth of aid

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 has already distributed almost P4 million worth of food and non-food items to local government units in Cebu and Bohol affected by typhoon Seniang.

DSWD-7 assistant director Shalaine Marie Lucero said a total of P1.1 million worth of assistance has been delivered to the towns of Barili, Dumanjug, and Alcantara in southern Cebu while P2.7 million worth of assistance was extended to the LGUs in Bohol province.

"Pun-an pa as long as LGUs need our augmentation, we are ready and we are willing to give," said Lucero.

Lucero belied reports that they were scolded by Vice President Jejomar Binay during the latter's visit in southern Cebu upon learning that the municipality of Ronda was not given assistance.

"I think the Vice President fully understood what is the provision of the law and what is the role of DSWD and that of LGU," Lucero said.

She clarified that the role of DSWD is for resource augmentation and provide technical assistance to LGUs by ensuring that their programs along social welfare is within standards.

Since DSWD is for resource augmentation, Lucero said the LGU has to send request. In the case of Ronda, Lucero said they sent people even during the start of the typhoon and offered what they can help just like any other LGUs.

Yesterday, Lucero said her colleague informed that Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco III would be sending his request to DSWD after a meeting last Monday.

"Probably basin moabot anytime today (yesterday)," she said.

Lucero explained a request is needed because all transactions at the DSWD need appropriate documentation to ensure that all the money that have been provided to the agency are accounted for and that accounting is through the request form which the LGU will have to submit.

"We understand ngano naay mga possible actuation si mayor (Blanco) nakaingon niana maybe he was so busy and he was also nakalitan sa panghitabo," Lucero said.

DSWD-7 staff were sent yesterday to the towns of Ronda, Barili, Alcantara, and Dumanjug to check on their needs.— (FREEMAN)