Seniors given more time to claim financial aid

CEBU, Philippines —  Senior citizens who were not able to claim their monthly financial aid from the Cebu City government may still get it within 10 days from the actual distribution last Saturday.

The extension was given after some seniors were out of town during the distribution or are seeking shelter with their other family members after their houses were damaged by the Typhoon Odette last December.

“Mga 10 days na siya pero ang uban (nga disbursement officers) usahay dili kaabot og 10 days mo-close na sila. Mo-close na sila sa cash assistance,” said Porta Basmayor, head of the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS).

Basmayor advised those who were not able to claim their assistance right away to get it as soon as they can.

Some of the disbursement officers will return to their assigned barangays today, May 30, accordingly to continue the distribution of cash aid, the Public Information Office said in a report.

Seniors may also proceed to the City Hall if there are no longer personnel who will return to their barangay today.

Basmayor advised the seniors to ask first from their barangay officials before proceeding to the City Hall.

“Mangutana lang sila sa ilang barangay kung mo-continue pa ba sa ilaha (o adto na sa City Hall),” she said.

The latest distribution is for the months of April and May 2022.

Those who cannot make it to the extended period given to claim their aid may authorize someone to claim it on their behalf. There are, however, guidelines to be followed.

Aside from the usual P2,000 seniors’ aid, some seniors ages 80 to 89 years old also got a one-time P5,000 cash assistance accordingly.

Majority of the seniors who claimed said they are using the cash aid from the city government for their maintenance medicines. — JMD (FREEMAN)