Partnerships eyed to support city seniors not qualified for government aid

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council is eyeing to tap and collaborate with government agencies and private entities to accommodate senior citizens whose houses have been demolished but do not qualify for housing aid from the city government.

In an executive session last Wednesday, Community Specialist and Barangay Quiot Area Coordinator Ann Marie Catingub Acebedo apprised the city council on their latest efforts of providing relocation sites for displaced families due to demolitions.

During the discussion, it was learned that there is a particular age requirement in order to qualify for the relocation site from the city government.

“If ever senior citizen na sila, pwede ilang mga anak ang mu claim,” said Acebedo.

This was brought up when Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., minority floor leader, told the body that a senior citizen from Brgy. Talamban approached him, saying he didn’t qualify for any government assistance after being displaced due to a demolition.

Councilor Francis Esparis, chairman for the committee on social services, then sought consideration of senior citizens who don’t have any family left.

According to Acebedo, the government can give financial assistance to the seniors, but as for relocation sites, they cannot provide one as this needs monthly payments.

“Tan-aw siguro sa gobyerno nga kini tiguwang na ni, di na ni kabayad,” said Archival during the discussion.

‘Kay kung tiguwang naka, di ka maka avail sa housing program sa gobyerno...kay barayan man gud na ang lote og hinay-hinay, naay certain number of years, naay kontrata nga himuon,” he added.

In line with this, presiding officer Councilor Dondon Hontiveros said the legislators could come up with other ways, such as establishing a home for the aged.

Archival also agreed, saying they should also look into such a possibility.

“Mao nay dako nga question karon kay ang senior citizens ato ganing gitagaan og financial assistance but kung sa pabalay na murag mahabilin sila,” said Archival.

Acebedo then suggested that the government could tap and collaborate with other agencies and companies to come up with a system intended for senior citizens.

“I think its about time that we can take this up, kita ng mga councilors, to the executive that we can have our own, intended for nabiyaan nga mga senior nga wa na gyuy mga anak or mga apo,” said Hontiveros.

During the same executive session, Acebedo also brought up their latest demolition in Sitio Gimelia, Brgy. Quiot Pardo wherein a temporary holding area with tents has been set up.

On the other hand, she disclosed that other displaced families have opted to stay with their respective families.

Acebedo said that these holding areas will stand as temporary sites pending the preparation of the permanent relocation.

Acebedo added that for the relocation sites, the families need to submit requirements to DWUP to qualify for one, but she said that the 51 displaced families of Sitio Gimelina will qualify.

“Naa tay mga certain requirements nga gipakuha sa ila but di na pasabot nga di sila nato mabutang ngadto, ibutang gyud nato na sila sa area. Karon wala pa mi mahuman og sukod sa ilang allocations, kay usa ra man gud ang team sa atong office,” said Acebedo.

Acebedo also said that some opted to avail themselves of financial assistance rather than availing the relocation site. The financial assistance is P28,000, which will be provided by the Cebu City government. Out of the 51 families, ten of them have chosen the financial assistance grant.

The relocation site will be at 20 square meters per structure. To ensure fairness of the site distribution Acebedo said they will be conducting a raffle. The whole area intended is 2,122 square meters. 

Acebedo, however, admitted that they have yet to start this as they are still measuring the lots. As for housing materials, owners of houses demolished through a court order will not be provided with the said assistance. (CEBU NEWS)