(PIO CEBU CITY) -

In order to have a smooth flow and ensure the safety, security and convenience of our Cebuano elderly, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama's initiative made the Senior Citizens financial aid distribution a huge success.

The Mayor initiated that the distribution will be done simultaneously in the respective Barangay hall and/or Sports Complex of 80 Barangays comprising Cebu City. Even it was done on a first come first serve basis, the disbursing in-charge prioritized those who are disabled persons and personally hand-in to their respective houses those who are bed-ridden and unable to walk.

A synchronized and well-organized activity took place last June 11, 2012. To avoid duplication and fake claimants, the Cebu City Treasurer's Office, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs and the Barangay Officials themselves personally checked and rechecked the names in the payroll and their respective Barangay registered Senior Citizens, Police visibility was also seemingly observable to ensure safety and security.

At least 23,268 Senior Citizens from 46 North District Barangays in Cebu City received the 1st half of their financial assistance from the Cebu City government worth Php 3,000.00 each.

These include Adlaon - 297; Agsungot - 143; Apas - 1,034; Bacayan - 441; Banilad - 498; Bo. Luz - 883; Binaliw - 175; Budlaa - 191; Busay - 402; Cambinocot - 202; Camputhaw - 1,417; Capitol Site - 915; Carreta - 481; Cogon Ramos - 387; Day-as - 415; Ermita - 432; Guba - 350; Hipodromo - 737; Kalubihan - 145; Kamagayan - 167; Kasambagan - 570; Lahug - 1,944; Lorega - 752; Lusaran - 157; Mabini - 165; Mabolo - 1,660; Malubog - 117; Pahina Central - 410; Paril - 87; Parian - 240; Pit-os - 305; Pulangbato - 269; Sambag 1 - 1,060; Sambag 2 - 835; San Antonio - 222; San Jose - 225; San Roque - 343; Sirao - 296; Sta Cruz - 192; Sto. Nino - 169; Talamban - 1,042; Taptap - 118; Tinago - 558; T. Padilla - 626; Tejero - 790; and Zapatera - 395.

On the other side, different concerns has also raised and encountered such as those who belong to the previous distribution but are not included in this payroll's list, those who have a photocopied identification cards that needs to be verified, those who already passed away but still in the list, and at the end of the whole day activity there were those unclaimed, among others.

In an interview with the BARUGG News (Bayanihan Advocates Rallying for Unity and Good Governance), Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) head Rolando Llaguno aired out that those Senior Citizens who encountered problems are advised to go to the (CHAC) office on June 13, 2012 for verification of documents and interview and if they are qualified they can received their financial aid in a special payroll. We are also giving a 15 working days grace period allowance after the date of the distribution to claim those unclaimed financial assistance and in the event they failed to get such amount it will be reverted back to the general fund, Mr. Llaguno underscored.

Mayor Rama also initiated the increase of the financial benefits from P4, 000.00 from the previous administration to Php 5,000.00 in 2011 and to P7,000.00 this year. Moreover, the second half of the distribution worth P4, 000.00 each Senior Citizens will be done this coming December 2012.