In today’s session, City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio S. Veloso expressed concern during his presiding officer’s time regarding the delay in the distribution of social amelioration program financial assistance in the City of Tagbilaran. Vice Mayor Veloso read the advisory from the Department of Interior and Local Government wherein DILG Sec. Eduardo Año announced that LGUs must fast-track the pay-out or distribution of Social Amelioration Program (SAP) financial assistance to intended beneficiaries and that LGUs are given only until April 30 to completely distribute the emergency subsidy under the government’s SAP. Vice Mayor Veloso is doubtful whether the city can complete the distribution in just a day considering that as of today April 29, distribution has not yet started, hence the 14th Sangguniang Panlungsod invited City DILG Officer Regina G. Bastes to enlighten the council on this matter. Ms. Bastes informed the City Council that the City Government is preparing their justification regarding the delay on the distribution of SAP cash assistance. The delay is justified and reasonable since these were caused by the revision of the list of intended beneficiaries due to the constant change in the DSWD qualifications. It is understandable for the City to encounter delays considering it has a denser population compared to the other municipalities in Bohol. Hon. Fausto S. Budlong, President of the Liga ng mga Barangay attested that since the barangays were tasked to handle the distribution of the SAP cash assistance, they have to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the DSWD and be mindful of the changes to ensure that only those who are qualified beneficiaries can receive the cash assistance. Mr. Alvin Luis Acuzar, BACU Head, agreed with Hon. Budlong’s statement and added that the barangays are finalizing the list of beneficiaries and that they are working on the distribution of the SAP cash assistance as soon as possible.
Hon. Nerio Zamora II suggested that for transparency, the Barangays should also post a list of those who are not qualified to receive the SAP cash assistance and the reasons why they are disqualified in a conspicuous place in their respective Barangays.