Around 23,000 households in 30 barangays in the city received the rationed goods on the first day of distribution.
Mayor Sara Duterte, in an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio on Monday, said that distribution will continue until they cover all 182 barangays.
The following barangays have been readied for the distribution: 1-A, 2-A, 6-A, 7-A, 10-A, 11-B, 12-B, 13-B, 14-B, 15-B, 16-B, 17-B, 18-B, 22-C, 36-D, Langub, Lasang, Lumiad, Colosas, San Isidro, Callawa, Acacia, Indangan, Waan, Matina Biao, Manambulan, Angalan, Talomo River, Biao Joaquin, Lampianao, Dominga, and Dacudao.
She said that the qualified beneficiaries are indigents and out-of-work head of family due to COVID-19; contractual or “no work, no pay” workers, out-of-work head of families, self-employed, and a low-income head of family with a significant loss or reduction of income.
“There are some questions for those who are from other provinces but are working in the city if they will also be qualified for this aid. So our (way) of counting is that if you work here, then that means you are affected here,” she said.
She also said that the other local government units of the region will also distribute relief goods to the severely affected families.
The mayor also said there is enough for everyone. However, she is asking for the understanding of the people if there will be a delay in the distribution.
“As there as a need, the city government will adjust. We don’t usually say no to these matters, as long as they will not lie about their qualifications,” she said, adding that they are still working on the relief goods for those households who are not yet included in the initial distribution.
“Just let us know what your troubles are and your challenges regarding these relief goods so that we can properly act on it,” she said.
She also said that in activities like these, all should follow the social distancing mandate to avoid mass gathering that will increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Meanwhile, a motel in the city has volunteered to accommodate health workers who were kicked out of their dormitories. Some nurses complained in social media that they were evicted out of fear that they will spread the virus to the other occupants.
Duterte said that the Oh! George motel has volunteered to reserve some units for these evicted nurses.
Dr. Roy Ferrer, Department of Health (DOH) assistant secretary of health field implementation and coordinating team for Visayas and Mindanao, said that these nurses “are already professionals, they know what to do and how to disinfect themselves.”
He also said that health workers do not deserve this kind of treatment, since they are the frontliners who are fighting against the virus. “We should thank them for their service, and help them in every way we can,” he said.
BY SAMANTHA BURGOS
ON MARCH 25, 2020
