House to house distribution

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has directed concerned offices of City Hall to distribute the financial aid to residents affected by Typhoon Odette directly to the recipients’ houses.

This was announced by Councilor Jerry Guardo in a Facebook post.

“Pinaagi sa house to house distribution, makita jud ang actual occupant sa balay ug ma-verified ug dunay possibleng nag double entry sa usa ka panimalay,” reads part of Guardo’s post.

The city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) and other departments in charge of the initiative will start distributing the fifth tranche of the aid house to house on March 1, 2022.

Earlier, Rama expressed dismay over the supposed unfair selection of beneficiaries of the P5,000 aid from the city. He learned that there were residents whose houses were damaged by the typhoon that did not get the aid and there were residents whose houses were not damaged that did.

The mayor learned about the situation after residents told him personally about their concerns when he visited the barangays.

Guardo said the city is now investigating the questionable distribution.

“Gipasusi na karun sa mga otoridad kun kinsa ang manubag niining maong dili maayong binuhatan,” his Facebook post reads further.

He said that when the executive department requested for funds for the aid, everyone in the City Council agreed to the move.

Released

As of February 21, 2022, the Cebu City government has released over P276 million in financial assistance to city residents whose houses were damaged by the typhoon on December 16.

The city’s Public Information Office had reported that 19,811 more residential owners from 26 barangays including Adlaon, Apas, Babag, Bacayan, Binaliw, Budlaan, Buot Taup, Duljo Fatima, Kalunasan, Kamputhaw, Kinasang-an, Lorega-San Miguel, Luz, Pahina Central, Pit-os, Pulangbato, San Nicolas Proper, Sawang Calero, Sta Cruz, Suba, Sudlon I, Sudlon II, Tinago, Lahug, and Quiot were finally able to get the promised assistance.

Each structure owner with partial or total damage houses got P5,000 for a total of P99,055,000.

DSWS has validated all claims to ensure that all affected residents get help.

In total, the city has disbursed P276,575,000 in cash aid since December 30. – JMO (FREEMAN)