Quezon City barangay officials warned: No politics, favoritism in distribution

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday warned barangay and other city officials to set aside favoritism and politics in the distribution of food packs to residents affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

Belmonte issued the warning after the city government received reports that some of the indigent and most affected residents have yet to receive food packs.

“This should not be happening because we have already distributed one million food packs in Quezon City,” said the mayor.

“Favoritism and politics have no place during this time of need. Food packs should be given to those in need, regardless of political affiliation and preference,” she added.

Belmonte said those who would refuse to follow her directive would be suspended.

“During this time of great need, we ask everyone to set politics aside and help each other. No one should be left behind,” she added.

The mayor urged residents who have yet to receive food packs from the city government to report their barangays at [email protected].

She noted that the recipients of the food packs are based on the list submitted by the barangay officials.

From the initial 400,000 families, the city government has increased its food pack distribution target to 750,000 to include unregistered families, transients and non-Quezon City residents affected by the quarantine.

It asked for understanding as it cited challenges in the distribution, including finding sources and door-to-door delivery to target beneficiaries.

“During the actual food pack distribution, barangay officials noticed a lot of unregistered families, transients and non-Quezon City residents who were similarly affected by the enhanced community quarantine, including informal settlers, boarders and renters, laborers and other individuals stranded in the city who were not included in the initial lists submitted by barangays,” the city government said.

“Many of these families were likewise provided food packs. As a result, the barangays have requested even more food packs,” it added.

The Quezon City government reiterated its commitment to provide for the needs of the most affected constituents, urging those who have questions on the distribution to contact their barangay officials.

“We would like to underscore that our food relief effort is anchored on the list of beneficiaries identified by barangay officials, which prioritizes indigents and those most in need,” it said.

“Rest assured that the city continues to address the concerns and needs of residents. Once again, we ask for patience and understanding as we deal with this problem together,” the city government added.