Most typhoon-hit towns have yet to get cash aid

CEBU, Philippines - Only six of the typhoon-hit municipalities in northern Cebu received emergency shelter assistance fund from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas.

Shalaine Marie Lucero, deputy regional director for operations of DSWD-7, said these towns were the first to comply with the necessary documents.

The six towns include Madridejos, Santa Fe, Tuburan, Sogod, Tabuelan, and Catmon.  A total of P106.7 million cash was distributed among the 9,698 beneficiaries whose houses have been totally damaged by super typhoon Yolanda. There were also 9,702 beneficiaries whose houses were partially damaged.

"Wala na nagpasabot nga nalimtan na nato ang ubang towns but as of this time naa na tuod ang documents nila pero nagpaabot pa gihapon ta sa budget from the Department of Budget and Management," Lucero said.

Lucero said there is a remaining P3.2 billion that is yet to be distributed to the remaining local government units.

Among the towns that are yet to receive the emergency shelter assistance fund are Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Bogo City, Borbon, Tabogon, Pilar, Poro, San Francisco and Tudela.

DSWD reminded those under the core shelter assistance to process the necessary requirements like a relocation site approved by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

The concerned local government is also required to submit a certification from the MGB that the relocation site is not prone to landslides, floods and other geo-hazard risks.

DSWD also warned some money lenders who are trying to offer cash to some victims with interest.

"We encourage the LGUs to monitor their beneficiaries kay dili unta sakyan ang kalisod aning mga biktima kay this is about saving lives and raising the dignity of the victims nga igarantiya ang ilang madawat," she said.

She further said that they will directly give the funds to the beneficiaries and not to the money lenders.  (FREEMAN)