338 PWDs forfeit aid in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — Around 300 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Cebu City forfeited their ?3,000 financial assistance for the second quarter after failing to claim the cash aid during the scheduled payout from June 14 to 19.

According to Vivian Labra, local revenue collection officer of the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), 14,662 out of 15,000 listed beneficiaries were able to receive their aid, leaving 338 unclaimed.

From the ?45 million budget allocated for the distribution, a total of ?1.015 million in unclaimed funds was returned to the CTO.

Barangay Guadalupe recorded the highest number of unclaimed assistance, with 52 beneficiaries failing to claim their aid. It also had the highest budget allocation.

On the other hand, Barangay Paril had the smallest allocation and recorded a zero turnover rate, meaning all its beneficiaries received their aid.

Labra explained that each barangay’s budget allocation depends on the total number of beneficiaries residing in the area.

She clarified that beneficiaries who failed to claim their assistance during the scheduled dates would not be accommodated later, stating the aid is “good as forfeited.”

“Dili na, basta assistance ‘good as forfeited’ na siya, even senior citizen, di na na sila re-payrollan,” she said when asked whether missed assistance could still be claimed.

The barangay-to-barangay payout began on June 14 and June 16. Those who missed the initial distribution were given an extension to claim their aid directly at the CTO from June 17 to 19. After that, the payout was officially closed.

Precious Boroalba, PWD focal person of the Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS), confirmed that the unclaimed ?1.015 million will be returned to the city government.

“Balik sa panudlanan sa gobyerno,” she said when asked about the disposition of the returned funds.

In a previous interview, Boroalba said that beneficiaries who miss claiming their assistance twice in a row will be delisted and must reapply at the DSWS if they wish to continue receiving future distributions.

Due to a limited budget and slots, newly registered PWDs will be placed on a waitlist and may only be accommodated if current beneficiaries are delisted due to death or repeated non-claims.

As per CTO guidelines, authorization letters were not accepted during the June 14–19 distribution. Only the registered beneficiary could claim the aid in person.

However, bedridden individuals were exempt from this rule and were served through house-to-house distribution.

PWDs who wish to register for membership may visit the DSWS–PWD Office in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City, for inquiries and assistance. — Caren Itolle, Journ Intern (FREEMAN)