Pase-U Card Distribution in La Chorrera Continues Amidst Long Queues and Complaints

The distribution of the new educational benefit cards, Pase-U, in La Chorrera, Panama Oeste, continued on Tuesday, but the event was again characterized by long queues and hours of waiting, causing significant public discontent. Some individuals arrived as early as 3:00 or 4:00 AM to collect their cards, leading to traffic disruptions around the Mariano Rivera Stadium.

Attendees voiced complaints about the lack of access to restrooms, which remained closed, causing discomfort, especially for the large number of women present. They also called for improved organization, proposing the use of numbered tickets and allowing people to wait in the stands to be called by turn. This request was particularly emphasized due to the presence of the elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses who had to stand for extended periods.

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the restrooms remained closed, a situation she considered uncomfortable due to the large number of women present.

One attendee described the queue as "too long" and questioned the current organization, suggesting that distribution should return to schools and be organized by grade level to prevent overcrowding. The prolonged waiting also posed difficulties for those needing to attend their work shifts, with some reporting they had to arrange leave from their jobs since the previous day.

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too long

The Institute for the Training and Utilization of Human Resources (Ifarhu) defended the process, stating it was designed for efficiency and reported serving approximately 5,500 people on Monday. Euler García, an advisor for Ifarhu, mentioned that around 5,500 cards were distributed to students. While the current schedule is set, Ifarhu is exploring potential alternatives to enhance comfort for parents and relatives collecting the benefit.

In Arraiján, authorities plan to distribute over 34,000 cards, benefiting more than 40,000 students. Ifarhu reminded attendees to present their physical, valid ID cards, as expired IDs or authorization letters for third-party collection will not be accepted. Distribution is scheduled to continue until Saturday.

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the process was designed to speed up the delivery