Bank agrees using cash cards in seniors’ aid distribution

CEBU, Philippines —  The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) has agreed in principle that the distribution of the senior citizens’ financial aid in Cebu City will be through cash card, according to Mayor Edgardo Labella.

Labella said there are problems encountered in the house-to-house method of distribution due to COVID-19 which might put the senior citizens at risk.

"Akong nakita ang problema. Bisan unsaon nato'g badlong, although naay mga lugar na motuman pero naa sa'y mga lugar na mo-violate gyud sa mass gathering," said Labella.

He created a task force to negotiate with LBP, the city government’s depository bank.

The negotiation focused on the issuance of free cash cards to be used by the senior citizens or authorized persons in withdrawing the cash assistance in an automated teller machine (ATM).

"Hopefully nga matuman ni nato sa sunod natong pag-distribute sa atong mga senior citizens’ financial assistance," said Labella.

A memorandum of agreement will be signed between the LBP and the city government.

It was on April when the city government announced its plan to use cash cards in distributing the financial aid to the elderly while the mandatory stay at home order and social distancing measures are still in effect.

The distribution of the assistance worth P3,000 each senior citizens for the months of June, July, and August has started last Saturday and is still ongoing.

Under City Ordinance 2453, qualified senior citizens of Cebu City are entitled to financial assistance of P1,000 per month or a total of P12,000 in a year. — GMR (FREEMAN)