SENIOR citizens, or those aged 60 and above, may have to wait a little longer before they can receive the midyear cash assistance the Lapu-Lapu City Government has promised them.

The City’s Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (Osca) said they cannot proceed with the distribution of the financial aid yet.

This, despite the City Council’s approval of the early release of the midyear cash assistance in light of the crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan has also approved the early release.

Osca officer-in-charge Carmelita Berame, though, said they have yet to finalize the guidelines and mechanics regarding the distribution of the cash assistance.

These guidelines will be crucial to avoid possible crowding of senior citizens and still maintain social distancing during the distribution of the financial aid.

Berame disclosed that despite a 24-hour stay at home order, a few elderly residents continue to visit their office to ask about the release date of the cash assistance.

“We’ve been receiving a lot of calls, just a few minutes after the mayor announced his approval on the early release. There are also others who went here to inquire. If they do this, how will we be able to observe social distancing and avoid contracting the disease?” Berame said in Cebuano.

The Osca is mulling over holding the distribution in a house-to-house basis to ensure smooth transactions and secure the health and well-being of the senior citizen beneficiaries.

Berame has also not confirmed how much the senior citizens will be receiving this month as Chan himself has not announced the amount yet.

However, based on the previous year, senior citizens received P3,500 in June and another P3,500 in December.

Berame asked the elderly to extend their patience and understanding over the slight delay.

She assured, though, that they will receive the cash assistance soon. (GCM with CBQ)