City gov’t prepares for distribution of ESA

NOW that the 13^th Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved the final document that would allow the release of the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA), the focus has shifted to the distribution of funds. In fact, members of the Association of Barangay Chairmen (ABC) have already drawn lots to determine which cluster villages will be the first to get the funds.

The following is the sequence of the distribution by clusters: Cluster 2 (Eastern barangays), Cluster 1 (West), Cluster 4 (South), Cluster 3 (Suburbs), Cluster 5 (North) and Cluster 6 (Central). Another drawing of lots will be held by each cluster to determine the sequence of distribution by barangay.

During the meeting called by the Committee on Social Welfare last Apr. 20, City Legal Officer Ivan Verallo relayed the information given by Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Manager Jerome Gobenciong on how long the distribution of funds would take.

The procedure may take two to three months depending on the amount LBP will release on a day-to-day basis. “Naay certain amount nga ma-release [ang bangko] everyday. So ang iyaha (Gobenciong) gyud target is if ma-distribute og three months maayo kay depende sa availability of funds nga ma-release sa Land Bank. Di man sila kasiguro nga kining adlawa parehas ang amount nga ma-release kadto sa previous day,” Atty. Verallo explained.

Councilor Tomas Serafica aired his preference that the ESA be released in the form of cheques. But that would be impossible given the number of beneficiaries – 52,325 based on the original master list. “We’ll be distributing 52,000 cheques. Unya according to Land Bank, they cannot print that (much) cheques in one year kay naa may number of cheques nga (puwede) ma-print nila. (Mao nga) mas mu-advice sila og cash (ang ihatag),” Verallo said.

For his part, Councilor Pedro Godiardo Ebcas said he would rather that the money be distributed before October when the filing of Certificates of Candidacy starts to avoid doubts that the ESA will be used to buy votes for next year’s polls. “Personally di ko gusto muabot dihang dapita (sa Oktubre)” he said.