SP finally okays MOA; ESA funds may be downloaded next week

FINALLY, the 13^th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Edward C. Codilla to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the implementation of the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA).

The passage of the resolution would allow the downloading of ESA funds to the local government unit (LGU). Media reports put the blame on the City Social Welfare and Development Office’s late submission of documents for the delay in the downloading of ESA funds.

However, CSWDO has actually prepared all but one document. These are the Project Proposal, Disaster Terminal Report, Rehabilitation Plan, Certificate of Eligibility of the Beneficiaries, Master list of Proposed Beneficiaries and Resolutions from all 110 Sangguniang Barangays of Ormoc.

With the SP’s granting its approval during its regular session last Apr. 23, the CSWDO believes the ESA would be released sooner than most would think. According to Social Welfare Asst. Vilma F. Mendoza, the director of DSWD’s Disaster Management Bureau Theresa O. Briones visited them earlier that day and informed that the funds may be downloaded in a week’s time upon the submission of the documentary requirements.  “So kung kumpleto na ta, siguro by next week kung mapasa na nato (ang MOA), basin mabalhin na pud na (ang kuwarta) sa ato,” Mendoza said.

Suspenseful proceedings

SP observers thought the measure would be stalled anew when Councilor Bennet Pongos expressed apprehension over the plan to compel beneficiaries to sign an affidavit when they receive the money. Pongos made known his concern during the meeting called by the Committee on Social Welfare last Apr. 20.

The technical working group (TWG) formed by Mayor Codilla to address ESA-related concerns came up with a safety measure that would assure only qualified beneficiaries will receive the ESA based on the guidelines outlined in DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 24 s. 2014, by compelling them to sign an affidavit.

The guidelines disqualifies families who earn at least P15,000, those living in danger zones and bunkhouses, and those who have received shelter units from government and non-government organizations. The affidavit will make unqualified recipients legally liable if they receive the money.

Pongos questioned the need for an affidavit as a safety net when this should be covered by the validation of beneficiaries by the DSWD as provided for in the guidelines. “It is very clear that the validation is a function of your office. There should be a formal validation. In fact, it is very clear there is an inspection or an effort was taken to really find out if totally or partially,” the councilor said.

Another concern of Pongos is that the affidavit might discourage beneficiaries from claiming their share of the ESA. “Tingali’g mahulog na lang ni’g paisogay kinsay mupirma,” he said. So pronounced was his opposition that a five-minute recess was called to allow him to discuss the matter with City Legal Officer Ivan Verallo.

When the meeting resumed, Atty. Verallo assured Pongos that barangay chairmen have revalidated the master list. “Nag-conduct man gyud sa re-validation (apan) di man gyud ta kasiguro ang barangay matuman pud ana religiously. So mao na kana nga among pa-executon og affidavit (ang mga makadawat) nga mu-attest nga qualified gyud sila,” the legal officer explained. “Frankly speaking di gyud ka kasabot sa huna-huna sa tao nga mu-claim lang sa kuwarta mao nga amo sila gi-require (nga mu-issue og affidavit).”

Convinced by the explanation, Pongos yielded to the TWG’s discretion and gave his approval to the resolution authorizing Mayor Codilla to sign the MOA. “I believe that our concern was sufficiently addressed. I believe it is urgent that we should right away pass this resolution because the distribution of the ESA must be performed the soonest possible time,” he said.