The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported on Saturday, Aug, 27, a peaceful and orderly distribution of educational cash assistance, attributing it to the assistance of the local police and local government units (LGUs).
In a message, Abalos noted that the ‘no walk in’ policy in the queueing for the financial aid was strictly enforced through the loudspeakers, police and task forces manning the cash aid distribution venues.
“Only those with text confirmation are allowed (in the lines to get cash aid),’’ Abalos said.
Abalos explained that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) limited the number of text confirmations to 1,000 to 3,000 per site depending on the capacity of the educational cash aid disbursement venue.
“Strong police and LGU task force visibility in NCR (National Capital Region) sites. No resistance so far when persons showing up with no DSWD confirmation are politely turned away,’’ Abalos said.
He noted that the DILG made personal calls to the mayors and governors in each LGU ‘to assure commitment of forces’ in the cash aid distribution.
The DILG chief said that there are 215 educational distribution sites in the regions and three Metro Manila venues were manned by the PNP and local task forces.
Abalos stated that all the site reports indicated peaceful and orderly payouts as specific testimonies were provided by the big cities in the country to the DILG.
At the Pili Convention Center in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Mayor Nelson Legacion reported giving advisories to the barangay captains and volunteer groups to assist in the payout to 2,000 qualified recipients.
Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City said more than 50 percent of the payout so far are ready for distribution to 943 beneficiaries and the others are up for verification and assessment.
It was reported that social distancing strictly enforced with additional distribution sites available when the need arises.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfie Benitez reported that the payout was orderly since there was proper coordination between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the mayor’s office.
With more than 900 recipients, Benitez noted that ‘No Walk-In signs’ were placed in conspicuous places describing this payout as more orderly and systematic compared to the past cash aid disbursements.
Bais City, Negros Oriental Mayor Luigi Goñi also cited that the educational financial assistance distribution in his area was very orderly. (Chito A. Chavez)