Senior aid distribution a go despite pandemic

CEBU, Philippines — The distribution of financial assistance for senior citizens will push through this month, said Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella.

The seniors will get P2,000 in cash aid, which represents the assistance for the months of March and April.

Each senior gets P1,000 per month or P12,000 annually from the city government.

Labella said barangays are given the authority to distribute the aid.

He though reminded the barangays to strictly observe the social distancing protocol.

“Sila nay modistribute. Sila nay mo-identify,” said Labella.

The government has also considered a house-to-house distribution for the aid considering that the city is under a state of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Due to the ECQ, the stay at home order is being implemented to intensify measures aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Labella said the distribution of the financial assistance should be done “as soon as possible.”

He earlier appointed a group to formulate a mechanism on how to distribute the aid in an effective way without violating the measures implemented to combat COVID-19, especially the social distancing.

The group comprises City Administrator Floro Casas, City Legal Officer Rey Gealon, Association of Barangay Councils president Franklyn Ong, and Councilors Raymond Alvin Garcia, Donaldo Hontiveros, Joel Garganera, and Prisca Niña Mabatid.  KQD (FREEMAN)