The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has extended the deadline of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) aid distribution until May 10.
According to DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, the extension is for Local Government Units (LGUs) having difficulty in the payout of the SAP, and for those who have high density population particularly in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Cebu, and Davao City.
Based on recent data of the DILG, the national payout rate is over 77 percent. 985 LGUs have already completed their respective SAP aid distribution. CARAGA has the highest payout rate with 99.88 percent, followed by the Bicol region and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Secretary Año trusts that all LGUs will finish their distribution of the first tranche of SAP aid by May 10. It is the last deadline the DILG will give LGUs lest they face consequences.
“We will initiate investigations, even sanctions, so kailangang maka-comply na sila diyan. Sobra-sobra na ‘yung extension na ibinigay natin para maintindihan natin sila. (We will initiate investigations, even sanctions, so they need to comply. We have given too much leeway in the extension.)”
The DILG Chief reiterates the importance of following strictly physical distancing in the distribution. Individuals getting SAP cash assistance until nighttime are also exempted from the curfew. – Report from Patrick De Jesus
