Woman in Cebu faints while in line for aid, dies later

A 31-year-old woman in Mandaue City, Cebu, died after she fainted while in line during validation for aid for survivors of Typhoon Tino, which hit the province last November. 

The woman was identified as Mary Christ Cuizon, a mother of four children; the youngest she gave birth to only six months ago.

The incident happened at the public gymnasium in Barangay Opao, where government personnel validated beneficiaries of the P5,000 cash aid. 

Cuizon's father said he wants to see the CCTV footage at the gym to know what happened exactly.

He said he received information that it took some time, reportedly about 30 minutes, before people helped his daughter. When cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered, she had reportedly already passed away.

The Office of the Mandaue City Administrator has requested an incident report and will issue a statement later.

The activity at the gym was carried out by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the City Social Welfare Office of Mandaue.

Personnel of the two offices visited Cuizon’s home on Friday, March 13, to hand over assistance to her family.

Cuizon’s family received a sack of rice and two boxes of canned goods and were made to undergo psychological intervention.

Addressing the incident on Saturday, the DSWD said in a statement that it has "closely collaborated with local government units to ensure the systematic and orderly conduct of verification and payout activities."

"Measures implemented include dedicated lanes for senior citizens and pregnant women, as well as the deployment of the LGU Response Team to move around the venue to check on the condition of beneficiaries. We also consistently remind our LGU partners that the frail, sick, elderly, and those caring for children should be exempted from long queues and provided appropriate assistance," it added.

The DSWD also extended its condolences to Cuizon's family and loved ones.

"We stand in solidarity with those affected during this difficult time and reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of all our beneficiaries,” the agency said. —Nikko Sereno, GMA Regional TV News/VBL, GMA Integrated News