Garces disproves irregularities

CEBU, Philippines - The former chief of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Marivic Garces, has disproved allegations of irregularities in the distribution of rice to calamity-stricken areas during her term.

Garces explained that during the time of suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, there was a memorandum of agreement signed between the Province of Cebu and the National Food Authority (NFA).

The NFA allows the Province to purchase rice during times of disasters on credit within 15 days for stockpiling at the container van at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

Garces suspected why acting Gov. Agnes Magpale called the donation of rice to Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete City as irregular because what she knew was the usual practice of sending sacks of rice to the calamity -stricken areas.

During the time of Garcia, the Province made transactions with the regional office of NFA in Cebu but the withdrawal was done at the nearest warehouse where disaster occurs, which is more practical and faster considering that some roads are not passable yet.

Garces assured that the acknowledgement receipts issued by the local government units mentioned are intact.

Acting PSWDO chief, Evelyn Sinajon, said that they are now looking at the records which Garces reportedly failed to turn over.

But Garces questioned what turnover Sinajon is talking about when all the documents, records and logbooks were left in the office when Magpale transferred her to the Integrated Provincial Health Office.

Besides, Garces said that Sinajon is no stranger to the department because she has been there for several years and she is supposed to know how the office is ran because a staff meeting is being held every week for updating of program implementation, including the stockpiling.

“Unless she was asleep all those years, all she needs is common sense, and initiative to be able to acquaint or familiarize herself on managerial skills,” Garces said.

Garces also said that the staff are intact, whom Sinajon can discuss with the programs and activities left.

“The problem probably is she doesn’t know what to do, where to begin with, or much worse, she doesn’t have the skill to manage the office,” Garces added. (FREEMAN)