Rizal local officials clarified the issue on the delay of the distribution of relief assistance to its people affected by the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine brought by Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).
A source from the LGU, who wishes not to be named, told Palawan Daily News that the delay in their distribution was caused also by the delay of arrival of the purchased goods from their supplier in the city.
“Late talaga ang distribution namin dahil late naman talaga dumating ang supply sa amin kasi sa lahat ng munisipyo, sa amin ang huli dumating at last Tuesday lang dumating ang mga supply at ni-repack pa namin s’ya actually hanggang ngayon at inasikaso naman namin agad,” the source said in a phone interview.
The source added that despite their efforts, some will still complain because the families who will receive the relief packs are those who were included in the list of MSWDO based on the last survey conducted.
“Alam namin na marami parin ang magrereklamo pero ‘yung hindi makakatanggap ng relief packs na worth P1,500 ay sila naman ang mabibigyan ng second batch ng assistance which is cash na P1,500 na kapareho din ng mga relief packs na inaasikaso namin. Basically, lahat ng pamilya dito (Rizal) ay makakatanggap ng tulong mula sa munisipyo,” added the source.
Nevertheless, Rizal Mayor Otol Odi promised to start the distribution of the first batch of relief assistance tomorrow, March 28, to a total of 12,768 households from 11 barangays of the municipality.
“Okay naman na at bukas sisimulan na namin ang distribution at ide-deliver na naming sa 11 barangays,” Mayor Odi told Palawan Daily News.
It is recalled that some residents of Rizal, through social media, have been airing their concerns over the delay of the distribution of relief assistance and the allegedly missing help and action of their officials in this crisis.
The mayor also said that his personal movement is limited as of this time as he is under home quarantine as he arrived from Manila just before the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine but he is healthy and has no symptoms as his quarantine is for the safety and protection of his family and constituents.