Seniors, PWDs who failed to claim aid may get another chance

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City government is planning to give another chance to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) who were unable to claim their financial assistance from the city government from October to December last year.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera revealed that one of the items currently being pushed by the executive department to be included in Supplemental Budget No. 1 is the fund for unclaimed financial assistance for senior citizens and PWDs during the said period.

The councilor added that there were other beneficiaries who could not claim that time because they were stranded elsewhere and could not immediately return to Cebu City after being hit by Typhoon Odette in December last year.

Under an existing ordinance, unclaimed financial assistance to such sectors will be returned to the city’s coffers.

At least 14,000 senior citizens have failed to claim their financial assistance during the distribution, it was learned.

Pesquera, however, pointed out that they deserve consideration due to the unforeseen situation.

It was mentioned during the budget hearing yesterday that one of the council’s possible actions on the matter is to wait for an order from the mayor’s office.

Pesquera said she also plans to push for the amendment the current ordinance to provide adequate days for the distribution of financial assistance in the event of a catastrophic disaster and any other type of emergency.

"Sama  sa nahitabong  bagyo, daghan intawn nga mga senior citizen nga tua sa laing dapit niadtong higayona ang wala dayon makabalik sa ilang balay," Pesquera said.

Based on the items included in the proposed SB 1, the budget for financial assistance for senior citizens who failed to receive such during the period of October to December is P13.6 million, while that for PWDs is P3.2 million.

The council's deliberation for SB1 will happen tomorrow, March 2. — JMD (FREEMAN)