Residents say half kilo of rice given to them not enough

By RICKY J. BAUTISTA
February 18, 2010

BASEY, Samar  –  Poor and indigent residents who availed the rice distribution sponsored by Governor Milagrosa T. Tan apparently got discontented when despite of their long hours of waiting, they were only given half kilo of rice, a quantity they said inadequate for a family of six members in one meal.

A 70 years old widow, Mana Trofina, rose early from her bed last February 8 as leaders of Tan publicly announced that Tan will arrived in their barangay for a rice distribution activity. The coming of Tan, who is famous in distributing cash, rice, caps, umbrellas and appliances in every time she visit a place, gave so much excitement to Mana Trofina, among with her neighbors numbering around 100 who spent at least 6 to 8 hours of waiting at the barangay multi-purpose hall in Can-manila, Basey, Samar.

Fishermen and laborers from Sitio Bangon, Paraiso, Tabuk and proper, who regularly go out of home to look for income, had to cancel their daily chores hoping to get “something” from Tan more than they usually earn. At around 12 noon, an official of the barangay had to buy canned goods and biscuits to feed the waiting residents, mostly women accompanied by their minor children.

Until around 3 p.m., the Tan’s camp finally arrived bringing with them sacks of rice ready for distribution, the people still at the midst of their excitement, started murmuring when their names were called and was given one to two cans of rice or half kilo, the most, contained in a plastic bag. Governor Tan was a no show in the activity but she was represented by her daughter Angel Tan, who likewise handed over a cash of one thousand pesos (P1,000) for the 11 barangay officials, equivalent to P90.90 each before she left for another barangay.

Mana Trofina, in her way home, expressed her frustration and dissatisfaction over the circumstances saying, “naubos ko lugod ak oras paghinulat hin asya la ine, kun ginpakabuhi ko nala lugod bangin naka sobra kilo pa ako.” A pedicab driver named Owen, with three family members depending to him measured the rice given to him also said, “it was exactly one and a half (1 ½) can of sardines.” Others who appeared to be coming from a “relief operation,” lined-up in their way home, were also publicly expressed their dissatisfaction.

However, not all of the recipients were disappointed. Other recipients, especially those “one day-one eat” folks have expressed gratitude to the governor for the rice they gave to them. “Maupay nala ine kontra hit waray,” they said.

Meanwhile, sources said that what transpired in Can-manila has also occurred in other barangays in Basey. They said the “rice distribution” activities with the same situation also transpired in their towns.

In another development, critics of the Tans alleged that the instant rice distribution in some towns is just a “diversionary” tactics to cover the raging controversy at the capitol.

While the Tans were distributing some goods in some towns, capitol employees and other workers from provincial offices including the district hospitals in Samar gathered themselves in front of the capitol on February 8, and staged their long-planned protest rally for the failure of Gov. Tan to release the P25,000 year-end bonuses that were due the provincial government employees in year 2009.

Protesters, to include members of the Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), employees of Basey and Gandara District Hospitals also appealed to the concern authorities to investigate the questionable transactions of the governor.