Nearly four years after Super Typhoon Odette devastated thousands of homes in Cebu, the distribution of emergency housing aid has finally begun.
As of January 15, only three of the province’s 44 local government units (LGUs) have fully released assistance under the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP).
Provincial records show that Balamban, Asturias, and Carcar City are the only LGUs to complete distribution of their shares from the P712-million fund allocated for Odette survivors whose houses were totally destroyed.
Balamban assisted 1,144 households, Asturias reached 400 families, and Carcar City recorded the highest number of recipients with 5,787 households receiving aid. The most recent payouts in Balamban and Asturias were held at the Balamban Gym on January 15, coordinated closely with the NHA and the Cebu Provincial Government.
Cebu Provincial Government Chief of Staff James Canoy said the pace of distribution now largely depends on how quickly LGUs comply with documentary requirements, particularly submitting validated beneficiary lists approved by national agencies.
“The release of funds follows a first-come, first-served policy. LGUs that submit complete requirements ahead of others are prioritized by the NHA,” Canoy said.
Provincial officials are urging the remaining municipalities and cities to finalize and submit their lists to avoid further delays, as thousands of families are still waiting for assistance nearly four years after the typhoon.
Beneficiaries who have received aid expressed relief, describing the cash assistance as overdue but vital for rebuilding their homes.
Canoy noted that recipients appreciated the flexibility of the cash-based aid, unlike previous programs that imposed restrictions through QR-coded systems.
“At least naa silay free will kung unsaon nila paggamit, ug dili na QR-coded pareha sauna,” he said.
Some complaints have emerged from individuals excluded from the final payout lists.
Canoy clarified that the master list used by LGUs and the NHA was based on Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) records, which served as the official source for qualified beneficiaries.
The province has already received Malabuyoc town’s beneficiary list, placing it next in line for fund release once all requirements are complete.
More than 70,000 Cebuano families are expected to benefit from the EHAP, with each qualified household receiving P10,000 for homes completely destroyed by Typhoon Odette.
The aid package was reactivated through the efforts of Governor Pamela Baricuatro after it had been returned to the National Treasury under the previous administration. (SBA)
