Amid non-stop complaints of relief goods not reaching numerous families in Baguio, the City Social Welfare and Development Office reported to have distributed over P18 million worth of food and non-food supplies since the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 17 to April 2.
Of the P18M, over P11M came from the funds of the city government, over P1.3M was the total monetized value of relief packs received from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office, and over P5.7M was the total monetized value of all donations received by the city.
In the report of CSWDO, the number of food packs varies per barangay, depending on the list of vulnerable families assessed and submitted by the barangay officials.
Vulnerable sectors are the poorest of the poor, persons with disability, senior citizens, displaced workers, stranded students, pregnant, and solo parents.
With the approval of the release quick response fund, barangays can now purchase goods to augment the needs of constituents affected by the quarantine.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong asked for understanding from the public, especially from those complaining that they have not received a relief pack despite belonging to the vulnerable sector.
“Let us not make this a political issue. Please understand that the government is following protocol in the distribution of relief packs based on the assessment of our barangay officials and verification of the City Social Welfare Office where we prioritize those in the vulnerable sector,” Magalong said.
He said he is working out with barangay officials on the revalidation of their vulnerable sector listings.
For concerns on relief packs, the hotlines of the Mayor’s Special Services Division are 0917-417-1842, 0919-569-5525, 0966-455-9777, and 442-7295. – Jessa Mardy P. Samidan
