CEBU, Philippines – The distribution of the Pamasko for the 15,000 pre-selected indigents in Dumaguete City was deferred again for another week, reportedly due to the failure of the supplier to deliver the required items to be included in the bundles, dubbed as “white gifts.”
City Social Welfare officer Carola Alquero said the city government has been waiting for the supplies to come from the supplier, within this week, so distribution of the “white gifts” can start next week.
One supplier, Verlyns, won the bid to supply the sardines, while Bethyl Enterprises won the bid to supply the noodles, coffee and milk. The sardines were delivered but the noodles, coffee and milk could not be delivered on time.
According to City Hall sources, more delays will be incurred if a rebidding process will be conducted.
Only last week, Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria had announced that last Monday was supposed to be the start of the distribution for the 9,519 indigent families, 4,373 senior citizens and 1,108 for persons with disabilities, or a total of 15,000 indigents.
Sagarbarria now make it clear it was never too late to distribute the pamasko, even after Christmas, in response to insinuations the distribution has been timed to coincide with the campaign period for the local candidates.
He said there was nothing political on this pamasko because the city government had been doing this for several years even before he became mayor of Dumaguete.
One pack of the “white gift” contains two kilos of NFA rice, two sardines, three noodles, coffee, sugar and milk, all worth P200. (FREEMAN)