Local News

Cash aid distribution in Lapu ‘super-spreader event,’ ABC prexy says

Ivan Rey R. Tan

THE three-day distribution of the P5,000 financial assistance to Odette-affected individuals in the City of Lapu-Lapu could be a super-spreader event for Covid-19.

This is what Bankal Barangay Captain and Association of Barangay Councils President Eduardo Cuizon said during a press conference Monday, Jan. 24, 2022.

The distribution in mainland Lapu-Lapu started on Friday, Jan. 21 until Sunday, Jan. 23, while the distribution in the Island of Olango took place on Jan. 16.

Cuizon said in his barangay, there were around 5,000 beneficiaries and the distribution was scheduled for one day only.

The lack of disbursing personnel in the distribution area caused people to crowd and physical distancing was no longer observed, said Cuizon.

Cuizon said the distribution could have been made easier and efficient if Chan downloaded the funds to each barangays and let the barangay officials manage the distribution.

In a separate interview, Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said the overcrowding cannot be avoided since the people badly need the money.

Chan also urged his political opponents to help rather than always criticize the actions of his administration. He said the City had successfully distributed P460 million, which translates to around 92,000 affected households in the entire city.

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