By NG Seruela
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) confirmed on Tuesday (Aug. 10) that it has released the ₱10.8 billion worth of cash aid or “ayuda” to the National Capital Region (NCR) local government units (LGUs).
In today’s Laging Handa public briefing, DBM Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Rolando Toledo said the funding for the NCR cash aid has already been released on Friday (Aug. 6). It was collected from the certified savings of the 2020 continuing appropriations.
“Kinuha po ito sa pondo mula sa certified savings po natin noong fiscal year 2020 continuing appropriations, alinsunod din po sa ating Administrative Order # 41. At iyan po ay na-download na po natin iyan sa ating mga LGUs dito sa NCR. Tapos syempre po naka-bangko na po ng ating mga LGUs po,” he affirmed.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday (Aug. 9) announced the start of the “ayuda” distribution at Metro Manila on Wednesday (Aug. 11).
READ MORE: http://152.42.253.13/dilg-distribution-of-ayuda-to-start-on-wednesday/
In relation to this, DBM Asec. Toledo clarified that Laguna and Bataan, which has been added to the places under enhanced community quarantine, will receive their own budget for the cash aid.
He said the province of Laguna will receive ₱2.7 billion worth of funds while Bataan will receive ₱700 million. He added that the amounts have been sent through a memorandum to the President and are yet to be approved by the Chief Executive.
“Iyong para sa Bataan at saka sa Laguna po, ito po ay hinihingan pa po namin ng approval from the Office of the President. So, sa amin naman po sa DBM nakahanda na po kami, hinihintay lang po iyong approval ng ating Presidente na i-release po natin iyong alokasyon para sa Bataan at Laguna,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Toledo said the department will do its best to collect the needed budget for cash aids in case Metro Manila will remain under ECQ.
“Syempre po gagawin ang lahat ng paraan po para makalikom po tayo ng budget para maibigay iyong kinakailangang pondo para sa ating ayuda kung saka-sakaling ito pong ECQ sa Metro Manila ay magpapatuloy. Kasi nga po, iyan po iyong ating policy po sa atin na bibigyan po natin ang ating mga kababayan ng ayuda kung ang kanilang lugar ay mailagay under ECQ po.” -rir
