Tino aid closes today

CEBU, Philippines —  Today is the last day to claim the assistance for residents affected by Typhoon Tino, as the Cebu City Government will officially cap off the payout period tomorrow, August 11, 2026.

Records from the city’s Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS) show that as of August 7, a total of 1,350 beneficiaries have yet to claim their aid.

Among the barangays with the highest number of unclaimed beneficiaries are Mambaling with 96, Tinago with 72, Guadalupe with 71, Tisa with 69, Duljo-Fatima with 68, Basak Pardo with 60, Sawáng Calero with 50, Inayawan with 48, Ermita with 47, and Lusaran with 46, including nine double entries.

Other barangays such as Poblacion Pardo, Pulangbato, Pasil, Pari-an, Pahina San Nicolas, Punta Princesa, Zapatera, Kamputhaw, Lahug, Cogon Pardo, Capitol Site, Calamba, Tejero, Pit-os, and Bulacao also reported unclaimed beneficiaries.

In contrast, several barangays, including Hipodromo, Buot, Babag, Cogon Ramos, Luz, Pamutan, Malubog, Sto. Niño, Sta. Cruz, San Antonio, Adlaon, San Nicolas Proper, Mabini, and Kamagayan have reported zero unclaimed cases, reflecting successful completion of their distribution.

The financial assistance program is funded by Cebu City’s Disaster Fund allocation, equivalent to five percent of its annual budget, with an estimated P100 million earmarked for Typhoon Tino relief efforts.

The said typhoon, internationally known as Kalmaegi, struck the Visayas in November 2025, leaving more than 150 dead in the whole of Cebu Province, submerging entire communities, and destroying thousands of homes.

While initial payouts were made in December 2025 to the most heavily affected barangays of San Jose, Bacayan, and Talamban, the broader distribution was delayed due to payroll consolidation and the prioritization of other assistance programs earlier this year.

Under the guidelines, beneficiaries must personally appear with a valid government-issued ID and two photocopies bearing specimen signatures.

No authorization is allowed except for bedridden, hospitalized, or deceased beneficiaries, for whom special procedures are in place.

The City Treasurer’s Office has emphasized strict compliance with documentation and transparency measures, including photo documentation during house-to-house and hospital distributions. (CEBU NEWS)