Some seniors frustrated; PWDs hopeful for cash aid this month

RETIRED public school teacher Delia Miñoza and her husband Felicisimo looked forward to receive their cash aid as senior citizens in Cebu city.

The couple each received P2,000 in crisp P500 bills yesterday morning.

“It’s better than nothing,” they said.

The last tranche of P4,000 year couldn’t be released in full by City Hall due to cash flow difficulties.

Electric power was cut off for more than a week in the Minoza’s home in sitio Sindulan, barangay Mabolo.

Delia said she needed P2,067 to pay the electric bill and have the service restored.

Her husband, a mechanic, has no regular source of income.

With four grandchildren aged 17 to 24 years living with them, the extra cash is a big help.

Since she retired last year and got a GSIS pension lump sum, Delia has to wait for five years before she receives a monthly pension.

Latecomer

Another beneficiary, 80-year-old Segundina Tolentino-Ko, had her thumb marks taken before she could receive her P2,000 cash aid at the Mabolo Elementary School.

She held the bills in one hand, looking confused.

Her daughter, Ayty Ko, gently took the money and placed it in her mother’s pocket.

Disbursing officers were about to leave the area at 11 a.m. when both women arrived.

Ayty said her mother, who has been using a wheelchair for three years, had suffered a mild stroke and had Parkinson’s disease and diabetes.

Ayty said they spend P10,000 a month for her mother’s medication, milk and vitamins.

The old woman’s P1,000 monthly SSS pension as a self-employed member is insufficient.

“Pasalamat mi sa cash assistance kay magamit gyud ni namo (We are thankful for the city’s cash assistance because we really need this),” said Ayt who takes care of her mother while nine siblings are either working or residing abroad.

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Cebu City still hope to receive the P2,000 balance of their annual P5,000 cash aid before the year ends.

Bertrudes Cañete of barangay Lorega San Miguel wrote a city official appealing for the city government to speed up its release.

Her handwritten letter was received last Dec. 10 at the office of Councilor Alvin Dizon.

“I can’t pay because the payroll has yet to reach me,” said Acting City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas.

“The cash aid for PWDs is still being processed by the budget office.” she said. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac and Correspondent Edison delos Angeles