After nearly four years of bureaucratic delays, P712 million in unspent housing assistance for Super Typhoon Odette survivors is finally making its way back to Cebu Province. The National Housing Authority confirmed the release following persistent requests from Governor Pamela Baricuatro's office.
What Caused the Four-Year Delay?
The substantial funds, originally designated for families affected by the December 16, 2021 typhoon, became entangled in a procedural dispute between NHA and the previous provincial administration under then-Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. The conflict centered on distribution methods that violated federal guidelines.
NHA 7 Manager Hermes Jude Juntilo explained that while the agency planned direct cash distributions of P10,000 per household, the previous provincial administration proposed using a "Dasig Sugbo Card" system. The NHA Central Office rejected this approach, citing potential audit complications and violations of Emergency Housing Assistance Program protocols.
This disagreement resulted in the funds being returned to the National Treasury while neighboring cities like Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu successfully distributed their allocations in 2023 and 2024.
Path Forward: Cash Distribution Timeline
Under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., NHA General Manager Joeben Tai confirmed the funds' release. Governor Baricuatro's administration is now working closely with NHA to ensure compliance with all federal guidelines.
Capitol Public Information Officer Ainjeliz dela Torre Orong outlined the distribution plan, confirming that the financial aid will be distributed in cash and is being fast-tracked for release by December 2025 or early 2026.
Verification Process for 72,209 Households
The Office of Civil Defense Central Visayas has identified 72,209 eligible households for assistance. To ensure accurate distribution, the Provincial Government is collaborating with local government units to cross-reference OCD 7 data with local records.
Officials are conducting strict validation of beneficiary lists to prevent errors during the rollout. This meticulous verification process aims to ensure that the long-awaited assistance reaches the intended survivors who have been waiting since Typhoon Odette devastated their homes.
The release of these funds represents a critical step in closing the recovery gap for Cebu residents affected by one of the most destructive typhoons in recent history, finally providing the assistance promised to them nearly four years ago.
