Cebu City resumes distribution of rice, medicines

CEBU, Philippines — Distribution of rice and medicines in Cebu City barangays continues, this time, to be delivered at the people’s doorsteps.

The City’s Public Information Office announced that the rice distribution continues today in five barangays.

The barangays included in today’s distribution are Calamba, Ermita, Kinasang-an, Pahina Central, San Nicolas Proper, and Quiot.

The rice distribution in each barangay will be handled by personnel from several offices in the City government including from the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Cebu City Youth Development Council, Bike Lane group, and the Cebu City Prevention Restoration Beautification and Enhancement.

Each family will get five kilos of rice.

The rice distribution is done house-to-house right now to avoid crowding in one venue that may cause a further spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Aside from the rice, Cebu City Michael Rama also announced yesterday that the distribution of basic medicines has also started already in the barangays.

Rama had instructed the City Health Department to deliver the medicines at the doorstep of those in isolation at home.

Rama also disclosed that the city is contemplating an emergency purchase of medicines.

He is also expected to meet with the convergence group for an update on the distribution of P5,000 cash assistance per household regardless of the severity of the damage caused by typhoon Odette last December 16, 2021.

Rama acknowledged some delay in the release of the cash assistance due to some technicalities since the funding came from last year’s budget yet.

Even the support from the national government is also taking time due to the same reasons, he added. — Sanden J. Anadia, KQD (FREEMAN)