P112 million released to NGOs

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Government continues to provide financial assistance to different accredited nongovernment organizations (NGOs) that help the city in its various endeavors.

For the last three years, the city has released over P112.28 million in assistance to 38 accredited NGOs and People’s Organizations based in Cebu City.

About P35.4 million of the assistance granted has not been liquidated or with pending requirements from the City Accounting Office.

The Sinulog Foundation, which holds the annual Sinulog Festival in Cebu, was granted the biggest amount so far, at P28 million since 2007. The fund was used in the holding of the Sinulog Festival every January of the year in honor of the Cebu’s Patron Saint Sto. Niño.

Next to the Sinulog Foundation is the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation, Inc. (Eruf) that received P16.3 million. ERUF is a rescue unit that serves different parts of Cebu in times of disasters and other emergencies.

Others who have received over P1 million grant from the city are the Association of Barangay Councils (P1.6 million), the Aboitiz Group Foundation (P8 million), the Cebu Chamber of Commerce (P2 million), the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children (P3.7 million), the Cebu Investment Promotional Center (P9.8 million), the Dancesport Team Cebu (P3.6 million), the Lihok Filipina Foundation Inc. (P2.2 million) and the Nutrition Center of the Philippines (P3.3 million), among others.

Of the P112.28 million granted, P30.13 million was released in 2007, P32.3 million in 2008, P28.57 million in 2009 and P21.28 million so far this year. (FREEMAN)