DWUP head: Don t transact with fixers

CEBU, Philippines — The Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) has reminded those transacting with the office to directly deal with its personnel and avoid fixers.

This came DWUP received several complaints, especially from those availing of the citys Let There Be Light" program.

This was the revelation by Ronald Anthony Butch  Librando, DWUP head, over the "Balita ug Kasayuran" program aired over the "Sugboanon Channel."

He said it came to his attention that there were program beneficiaries who sought the services of alleged fixers to supposedly fast-track the approval of their applications.

These fixers allegedly sell the forms DWUP issues to beneficiaries when they are supposed to be for free.

Ang problema man gud kay moduol ni sila og fixer sa pagtuo nga maka-onnect ni sila directly sa atong opisina. Pero kaning fixer gud, wala man ni silay connection sa City Hall," Librando said.

"Basin daganon ni nila o dili na sila mo-remit sa inyong gibayran sa ilaha, he added.

The city government's Let There Be Light program started in 2011, when current mayor Michael Rama was mayor, with the aim of providing legitimate electrification to poor households in the city.

Librando said that if the people directly transact with their office, they would be properly guided as to the requirements and the guidelines.

For example, only the applicant, his or her spouse, or any authorized relative can directly transact with DWUP, except for residents of far-flung barangays.

For those living far, barangay officials are designated to transact with DWUP on their behalf, especially in processing their applications.  — /RHM (FREEMAN)