Mandaue eyes stricter policy on seniors’ aid distribution

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City’s Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) is set to implement more stringent aid measures against those taking advantage of the city’s cash distribution.

Raul Cabahug, OSCA federation president, said the office would be stricter in the distribution of financial assistance to its members.

Cabahug received reports that some seniors, who are registered in Cebu City, tried to get a financial aid from the Mandaue City government.

Each registered senior receives an annual P6,000 in aid, which is given in three tranches.

Cabahug said Cebu City government has started enforcing stricter aid distribution after it found that some beneficiaries come from as far as Bohol.

"Pagpugong sa Cebu City, nidas-ag diri sa Mandaue. Grabe kaayo pagdas-ag diri kay yano kaayo makakuhag ID," he said.

Cabahug said his office is now validating the names of the seniors to determine whether or not they are really registered voters of the city.

He said the city’s residents are not automatically qualified to avail of the cash assistance. They still need to go through several processes, such as validation, and need to acquire certifications from the barangay and the Commission on Elections.

OSCA has recorded at least 30,000 senior citizens, but only 17,059 of them have been validated so far.

The 12,941 seniors are currently put on hold pending validation and passage of an amendatory legislative measure.

"Ako sa gi hold (ang uban) kay ako pang i-clarify kay kinahanglan ni'g ordinansa, dili man mi kabuot-buot. Nagpaabot ra mi sa ordinansa nga mogawas kay naa nay guidelines," Cabahug said.

Distribution

On the other hand, some 17,059 seniors received their second tranche of aid amounting to P2,000 from the city government yesterday.

The beneficiaries are from barangays Cambaro, Centro, Guizo, and Mantuyong.

OSCA in coordination with the City Social Welfare Services Office will continue the distribution today in barangays Ibabao-Estancia, Basak, Jagobiao, Canduman, Maguikay, and Cabancalan.

Tomorrow’s distribution will cover the villages of Tipolo, Casuntingan, Bakilid I, Bakilid II, and Subangdaku.

Seniors from barangays Alang-Alang, Umapad, Opao, Looc, Labogon, and Paknaan will get their aid on August 16, while those from barangays Tabok, Pagsabungan, Tingub, Cubacub, Casili, and Tawason will receive the same assistance on August 17.

The first tranche of aid was given in April. (FREEMAN)