The distribution of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) financial aid or “ayuda” in some cities in Laguna started on Wednesday (Aug. 18).
The “ayuda” distribution in some cities such as San Pedro lasted from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. San Pedro residents from four barangays were scheduled to receive their cash assistance today at four payout sites.
The local government divided the distribution into two parts: residents with surnames starting with A to J were scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and those with K to Z surnames were scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It also assured compliance with the minimum public health protocols during the payout.
In relation to this, Biñan Mayor Walfredo Dimaguila said in today’s Laging Handa public briefing that they have started the giving out of forms, but the official payout will begin on Thursday (Aug. 19).
Dimaguila said they will conduct a house-to-house distribution of the cash assistance to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. He added that they aim to finish the distribution within seven to eight days.
“Kasi po alam po ninyo ang problema, kapag nagpapila ho tayo, eh na-defeat ho iyong purpose ng ECQ na nagpalabas tayo ng tao. Hindi po namin pinapalabas ang mga taga-Biñan, at kapag kami po ay nakatuntong na po sa barangay na magpi-payout – let’s say dalawang barangay po ang magpi-payout, iyong dalawang barangay pong iyon ay naka-total lockdown po iyon at pumapasok po kami,” he explained.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved on Aug. 12 the ₱3.7 billion funding allocated for cash aid for the National Capital Region (NCR), Laguna, and Bataan, of which ₱368 million is allocated for NCR, ₱2.7 billion for Laguna, and ₱700 million for the province of Bataan.
READ MORE: PRRD approves ₱3.7-B funding for ‘ayuda’ in ECQ areas
Report from Patrick De Jesus/NGS- jlo