Cebu City gives cash aid to public school teachers

CEBU, Philippines - At least 5,500 public school teachers in Cebu City have received financial assistance from the city government yesterday.

Each teacher received P10,000 cash distributed by the city’s Local School Board and City Treasurer’s Office.

City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas said the city appropriated P55 million for the incentive under its general fund this year.

Alma Karen Oporto, 48, was among those who received the financial assistance. She has been a Grade 5 teacher in Banilad Elementary School for 25 years.

“Nagpasalamat lang sad mi sa city nga nahatagan mi ani, timing sad Pasko nya daghan sad gastuhan. Ako na lang sad hatagan og share akong mga pupils, puno ko gamay inig party namo aron malipay sad ang mga bata,” she said.

Oporto said she will spend the money for her son’s tuition fee and the rest for Noche Buena.

LSB head Ronald Diola said the 5,500 teachers are from the 140 public elementary and secondary schools in the city.  He said the city thought of giving the aid this month to grant a “merrier” Christmas to the teachers.

Cuevas said the city decided to release the assistance yesterday so that classes on weekdays will not be disturbed.  There were a few teachers who failed to get their share.

“Those who fail to get their P10,000 can still get it until December 31 sa City Treasurer’s Office,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cuevas said the city government will be giving the remaining cash assistance to the senior citizens and the persons with disabilities.

Seniors will each receive P3,000 while PWDs P1,000 each, both amounts as the last tranche of the P12,000 and P5,000 aid, respectively, from the city government this year. (FREEMAN)