CAGAYAN de Oro City Councilor Imee Rose Moreno voiced concern on Monday over delayed financial support for city scholars and unpaid wages for job order (JO) workers, calling it disheartening for a city recognized as highly urbanized.
During a city council session on October 21, Moreno reported that several first-year scholars had complained about not receiving their allowances. She noted that the city had allocated a P320-million budget for the scholarship program, but only P102 million had been disbursed, leaving P220 million undisbursed.
“Bisan piso wala pa sila’y nadawat and we know dako kaayo ang pagsalig nila sa ilang allowances nga maadawat gikan sa syudad and diha nato makita unsaon ang ilang performance,” said Moreno.
Moreno called for the City Scholars Office and the finance department to participate in a committee hearing to explain the delays.
Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba, chair of the Committee on Education, clarified that allowances are released quarterly, with first-year scholars expected to receive their payments soon.
She also cited issues with schools submitting grades late, which is required for the release of funds.
Daba supported Moreno’s resolution for a committee hearing to address the delays.
Moreno further highlighted that some scholars who graduated in March remain unemployed due to unpaid tuition fees, which prevent them from obtaining their transcripts of records.
In a separate media interview, Moreno criticized the three-month delay in wages for JO workers, including those in the Road and Traffic Administration, calling it unacceptable for a city of Cagayan de Oro’s status.
“Delays have become the norm, and it’s a sad reality for a city with numerous recognitions,” Moreno said.
Both issues will be discussed in upcoming committee meetings.
