Typhoon victims may claim financial aid from DSWS

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City government has assured all the residents affected by typhoon Odette that have yet to receive the P5,000 cash assistance from the city that they will still get the financial aid provided that they have not received any from the national government.

Those who have not received their cash aid are advised to go to the help desk of Department of Social Welfare and Services at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Ester Concha, special assistant for social services, said that those who want to claim their financial aid must present a proof of damage duly certified by their respective barangays.

Concha clarified that those who have already received financial assistance from any of the national government offices are no longer qualified. For transparency, Concha revealed that the city government has received a total of P54.1 million in donations from different local government units, national government, and private sector.

Donors include Bureau of Treasury, Land Bank of the Philippines, Chinese Group, HRMO-Municipality of Bantayan, BAME-MPC, Provincial Government of Davao Occidental, League of Cities of the Philippines, and the National Housing Authority along with the Philippine Veterans Bank, LGU-Ormoc City, Iligan City Government, and ECC Co. Limited.

“Actually after ni siya sa Odette, last December ang uban and then ang uban is January then naa tay February, gigamit gihapon siya like sa NHA katong affected gihapon sa Odette nga mga housing, also the DILG, lain-laing nga fund source, lain-lain sad sila og guidelines,” Concha explained.

The donated amount was also used by the city government to buy relief goods and other materials for the affected residents. Most donors gave the city government the prerogative on how to use the donated amount. — Decemay Padilla, FPL (FREEMAN)