• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
About 252,633 Bacolod residents have received rice subsidy from the Bacolod City Government, through different distribution centers set up in various schools in the city during the weekend.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the number of recipients is more than 50 percent of their targeted beneficiaries who have been affected by Typhoon Goring.
The distribution of 2 kilos of rice per registered voter was facilitated by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) on September 9 and 10.
Benitez, earlier said that the city will be distributing 2 kilos of rice per registered resident of Bacolod based on the voter’s list of the Commission on Elections. Those who are not on the list can present two valid IDs to show that they are indeed residents of the city.
The mayor said they are considering extending additional distribution centers at the Arao relocation site after receiving complaints from the residents in the area that they were not able to claim their rice assistance since the centers are too far from their area.
Benitez said he also visited the distribution centers on the first day after receiving complaints that their system was not organized in order to improve it.
The city purchased 14,000 sacks of rice to be taken from the P48 million calamity fund.*
