Delays in seniors aid distribution

SLIGHT delays marked yesterday’s distribution of the P4,000 cash assistance for senior citizens in Cebu City’s south district.

In barangay Tisa, barangay captain Tita Cabulao questioned the presence of personnel from the mayor’s office who wore Team Rama T-shirts.

She also said she and other barangay officials were left out of the distribution.

As concurrent head of barangay Tisa’s seniors association, Cabulao said she was in the best position to identify and assist the beneficiaries in claiming their share of assistance.

“I told them, let’s just respect each other,” she said.

In barangay Cogon Pardo, barangay captain Eugenio Gabuya Jr. argued with market administrator Raquel Arce over the distribution of cash aid to the seniors.

Gabuya said barangay officials have joined the activity in past years.

“I was just following the mayor’s directive not to involve the barangay officials in the distribution,” Arce said.

Actual distribution for senior citizens from the two barangays started shortly after 8 a.m. The seniors started crowding the distribution centers at 6 a.m.

The south district has 30,759 qualified senior citizens. Mayor Michael Rama said he cannot prohibit his personnel from wearing Team Rama T-shirts. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac