Stranded Cebuanos to get cash aid

CEBU, Philippines — Stranded Cebuanos locked out of the province will be given cash aid by the provincial government.

This was announced by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during her daily COVID-19 pressers yesterday.

“Kaning ang atong hinabang ang sa mga nga tua nastranded karon didto sa ubang dapit nga taga-Probinsya sa Sugbo,” she said.

Cebuanos who were not able to go back to the province prior to the ban on incoming trips may visit the Stranded Cebuanos Assistance Center Facebook page.

Those who wish to avail of the financial assistance may then fill out the form provided in the page. There, they will be asked to disclose contact information and the reason for their travel outside Cebu.

This will then be verified through the barangay captains of the local government units they are currently residing in.

Once information is verified, the respective mayors or city/ municipal social welfare and development officer and barangay captain or their respective locations issue certifications of validity.

“I-verify ni didto mismo sa inyong gibutang nga address and this will be verified by the  barangay captain ug ang mayor sa maong lungsod. When fully verified, we will send assistance,” she said.

Money could then be claimed through kwarta padala (remittance center).

The governor, however, emphasized that this financial aid is for stranded Cebuanos only. Emigrated Cebuanos cannot avail of the aid.

“Stranded Cebuanos, dili kadtong nang emigrate na… lain na,” she clarified.

There is also no definite amount for the cash assistance yet. The governor said that they will still study the amount since they do not have an estimate of how many Cebuanos have been stranded in other parts of the country.

“We’re still trying to determine kung pila ang atong ma-afford sa paghatag. Wala pud tay idea ug pila pa sad sila tanan,” Garcia said.  KQD (FREEMAN)