Photo from Sangguniang Panlungsod Cebu City – Secretariat
CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Cebu City Council uncovered reports of delays in the release of burial assistance, with some families forced to wait for months or nearly a year for the aid promised by the city government.
Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr., in a privilege speech delivered during the council’s latest regular session, warned that the delays have compounded grief and financial hardship, leaving the poorest families struggling to bury their deceased loved ones.
To address the issue, Alcover moved for an executive session with representatives from the Burial Assistance Office, Accounting Office, and City Budget Office.
The council approved the motion, scheduling the session for next month to determine the causes of the delay and explore reforms.
“Our people deserve transparency. And grieving families deserve better,” Alcover said, urging colleagues to ensure that government programs reach citizens when they need them most.
He described how families already drained by hospital bills and medical expenses are forced to pawn jewelry, mortgage belongings, and even skip meals just to cover funeral costs.
“While tears are still falling and prayers are still being whispered beside a coffin, many families are forced to face another painful reality—where to find money to bury their dead,” he said.
The councilor stressed that government aid must be timely to fulfill its purpose.
“By the time the assistance arrives, the wake is over. The burial is over. The debts remain. And the suffering continues,” Alcover lamented.
The city government is giving out P10,000 as burial assistance, which, according to some, already means a lot.
Alcover disclosed that based on the complaints he received, many grieving families had to wait for several months to almost a year to avail of such aid.
“Many of these families have told us that they have been waiting not just for weeks, not just for months…But for almost one year, and until now, they have not received the assistance promised to them…Imagine the pain of a family who already spent everything trying to save their loved one,” he added.
He stressed the moral responsibility of public servants to act with compassion and urgency.
“When a grieving mother walks into City Hall asking for help, she should not be met with endless waiting. When a father has just buried his child, he should not be burdened by months of uncertainty,” Alcover said.
| Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/MRM
