THE local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila will begin distributing cash assistance on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said on Monday, August 9.
“Nag-meeting po kami ng mga mayors the other night para nga paplantsahin 'yung ating proseso ng pamimigay ng ayuda at nagkasundo po sila na sabay-sabay silang magsisimula sa Miyerkoles,” he said in a television interview.
In a statement, Malaya said LGUs were initially given 15 calendar days to distribute the funds. The distribution period may be extended given the challenges that LGUs may face amid the threat of the Delta variant of Sars-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Low-income earners in Metro Manila will receive P1,000 per individual or a maximum of P4,000 per family as assistance during the two-week lockdown until August 20.
The beneficiaries include those physically residing, permanently or temporarily, or present in the city or municipality during the implementation of ECQ.
The national government has allotted a total of P13.1 billion for 10.7 million residents of Metro Manila, or the National Capital Region (NCR).
Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista said a request for the provision of a budget for Laguna and Bataan, which are also under ECQ, has been submitted to the Department of Budget and Management.
The DSWD shall provide technical assistance to the LGUs while the DILG shall monitor or supervise the management and distribution of the financial assistance by the LGUs.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. urged the LGUs to ensure that distribution of cash assistance would be orderly. He also stressed the need to prevent crowding, which could lead to a super spreader event.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año reminded each LGU that they are mandated to create its own grievance and appeals committee to address complaints or grievances coming from the beneficiaries. It may also create similar committees at the barangay level, if necessary.
He said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been instructed to provide security assistance to the LGU personnel in charge of the distribution of financial assistance. (SunStar Philippines)