Several Popular Democratic Party (PPD) lawmakers are demanding that Puerto Rico’s Family Department take responsibility for what they called poor planning and disorganization at a Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN) services event at Pedrín Zorrilla Coliseum in Hato Rey, San Juan. Reps. Swanny Enit Vargas Laureano, Lilibeth "Lilly" Rosas Vargas, Sol Y. Higgins Cuadrado, Estrella Martínez Soto and Gretchen Hau Irizarry said hundreds of elderly participants, some with health conditions and mobility challenges, waited for hours under the sun to access benefits.
In a joint statement, they called it "an abuse against our older adults" and said it is not enough to say afterward that more people showed up than expected. They also accused the governing New Progressive Party administration of reaching older adults for early and absentee voting during elections but not guaranteeing dignified conditions for essential services, and asked agencies to review procedures for future events.
Some 1,500 people attended Saturday’s event, which was intended for residents of San Juan and Guaynabo but drew people from other municipalities. Staff of the Administration for the Socioeconomic Development of the Family (ADSEF) handled recertifications, new applications and pending appointments. ADSEF Deputy Administrator Juan Avilés Silvestry said turnout was significantly higher than anticipated.
Family Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes said the department will examine its operational processes and resource allocation. A tent, fruit, water and preventive medical services were provided.