60T seniors get 2nd installment of cash aid

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government yesterday finished distributing the second installment of the cash aid to senior citizens.

About 60,000 seniors were given P2,000 from the P10,000 annual appropriation. The first installment of P4,000 was given last March, the remaining P4,000 will be given this December as a Christmas gift.

The distribution, which ran for two days —Friday in the north district Friday and Saturday in the south district— was directly supervised by department heads led by city administrator lawyer Jose Marie Poblete who has positively reviewed the latest “City Hall family affair” as described by Mayor Michael Rama.

Poblete said that while their aim was to have a zero complaint distribution, the city administrator admitted that there will always be concerns by those who do not share their ideas.    

“As long as people have conflicting interest, there could be no zero complaints. We don’t live in a perfect world but suffice it to say nga we made good improvements in the distribution and the seniors are visibly happy,” Poblete said.

No untoward incidents were reported except for seniors registered but not included in the masterlist, who were advised to visit the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs to verify the records.

Distribution started as early as 6:30 a.m. By around 9 a.m. around 70 percent of the total listed recipients had already been served.

By 11 a.m., there were very few claimants left, Poblete added.  Department heads deployed in 80 barangays around the city, who held the masterlist, also reported positive results to him.

“For barangay Quiot, 70 percent of the 998 registered seniors were already served. Generally, smooth and orderly. Ten disbursement officers assigned, six usherettes stationed at the entrance to guide the seniors to respective assigned names. Zero complaints. Four police escorts. Disabled seniors were given priority. Bedriddens are listed and will be served after. Those not listed in the masterlist were advised to go to city hall OSCA on Monday,” city agriculturist Joey Baclayon reported to Poblete.

The Association of Barangay Councils earlier submitted a manifesto of protest signed by 31 officials to the mayor for allegedly prioritizing allied barangay election candidates’ involvement during the two-day distribution.

ABC President and T. Padilla barangay captain Michael Ralota said they intend to file for a formal complaint before the Comelec but is momentarily gathering evidence, while Rama said he does not mind the manifestation saying his administration just wants to work hard.  (FREEMAN)