Super typhoon Odette causes major damage to this residential area in Cebu City. | CDN file photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The release of the financial assistance for Cebu City residents gravely affected by Typhoon Odette will start on December 30, 2021.
Mayor Michael Rama said that he will personally oversee the distribution in the 18 barangays.
“I’ll go around tomorrow because there are 18 barangays for the release of the assistance,” he said in a press conference.
Rama said that the release took time because there is a need to validate the beneficiaries with the goal that the families who need it the most will be assured of financial assistance.
He has instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) to verify the structures destroyed and cross-match data provided by the barangays and the Mayors Information Liaison Office (MILO) before distributing the financial assistance.
In the end, the first batch of benefeciaries composed only 7,615 households from 18 barangays will receive first as the budget of P38 million has already been released by the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office (CTO).
Here is a breakdown of the 7,615 households:
- North Budlaan – 113
- Sirao – 110
- Pulangbato – 457
- Binaliw – 452
- Guba – 513
- Capitol site – 492
- Cogon Ramos – 113
- Sambag 2 – 349
- Talamban – 344
- Paril – 143
- Cambinocot – 914
- Kamagayan – 225
- South Pamutan – 459
- Sinsin – 679
- Pung-ol Sibugay – 833
- Tagbao – 243
- Sudlon II – 978
- Pahina San Nicolas – 198
Rama instructed barangay officials to immediately submit a validated list to the city so their residents can get the aid as soon as possible.
“They have to submit the list. Not only the list, kinahanglan deserving kay pataka silag butang didto,” said the mayor.
Rama also confirmed that the National Housing Authority is sending P10 million worth of aid for Cebu City residents, and this should hasten the rebuilding of homes for affected families.
Finally, the mayor has also written a letter to President Rodrigo Duterte that will be sent today, December 29, for a P5 billion aid that should help the city recover. In previous statements, Rama said the P5 billion should help cover the cost of fixing infrastructure and aid for residents. /rcg