Baguio distributes P18 million worth of relief packs

By Jessa Mardy P. Samidan

 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, 2020.

Of the total P18 million worth of food and non-food supplies distributed, over P11 million was sourced from the coffers of the city government and over P1.3 million was the total monetized value of relief packs received from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) while over P5.7 million was the total monetized value of all donations received by the city.

In the report of CSWDO, number of food packs vary per barangay depending on the list of vulnerable families assessed and submitted by the barangay officials.

Vulnerable sector is defined by the CSWDO as 1) members of 4Ps or the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, the poorest of the poor, indigents and those who are not capable of feeding themselves; 2) Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), seniors, displaced workers, stranded students, pregnant and solo parents; and 3) general population.

With the approval of the Quick Response Fund, the barangays can now purchase goods to augment the needs of their constituents and cater to their general population.

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 social welfare office where we prioritize those in the vulnerable sector,” Magalong explained.

Magalong said he is working out with the barangay officials on the revalidation of their vulnerable sector listings.

For concerns on relief packs, here are the hotline numbers of the Mayor’s Special Services Division to contact: 09174171842, 09195695525, 09664559777 or Telephone Number (074) 442-7295.