DSWD official Emma Patalinghug (standing with microphone) answers questions from the Provincial Board (PB) and the mayors of northern Cebu towns hit by supertyphoon Yolanda during the PB session.
(CDN Photo/Junjie Mendoza)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development called on northern Cebu towns to have their barangays file a resolution asking their central office for reconsideration on the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) guidelines.
In a briefing attended by 12 northern Cebu mayors at Hotel Asia yesterday, DSWD Asst. Secretary Vilma Cabrera said the barangays should address their resolution to Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman.
The briefing was also attended by city and municipal treasurers, budget officers, auditors and Association of Barangay Captain (ABC) presidents.
Cabrera said the department is still uncertain whether families that earn P15,000 monthly income are eligible to receive the ESA.
Medellin Mayor Ricky Ramirez questioned why these families that earn P15,000 should be exempted from the ESA when their homes were also destroyed by supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013.
Explanation
Cabrera also said the Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC) issued to beneficiaries will help the DSWD avoid giving aid to those who already received the ESA.
Cabrera said they still have to talk with the National Housing Authority concerning the typhoon victims living in danger zones since they are not covered by the ESA.
All mayors said they were satisfied with the DSWD’s explanation.
Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana said his administration is now ready to distribute the assistance to constituents affected by Yolanda.
San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez said he would ask for a copy of Cabrera’s presentation to explain the ESA guidelines to his constituents.
Beneficiaries
The towns of Medellin, Santa Fe, Bogo City, Tuburan, Sogod and Tabuelan already received their ESA share along with Madridejos.
The towns of Tabogon and Borbon still lack the required documents to avail of the ESA.
San Francisco, Poro, Pilar and Tudela are still waiting for their ESA share.
Cabrera advised the LGUs to immediately release the ESA to their intended beneficiaries after receiving them.