Local government units (LGUs) may begin distributing next week the financial assistance for affected residents of areas placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in the August 6 Laging Handa briefing that they will “immediately” release distribution guidelines with other agencies pending release of the budget circular from the budget department.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already released today (Aug. 6) the Local Budget Circular No. 138 for financial aid distribution guidelines.
The National Capital Region (NCR) was allotted P10,894,409,000.
“Kapareho lang naman po iyong sistema natin noong nakaraang taon. Na-brief na rin po namin iyong mga mayors the other day about the system in the distribution, so mabilis na lang po ito,” Malaya said.
“Let us give the LGUs more time… Sila po talaga ang magdi-distribute niyan, so they would need to organize their distribution teams. They will need to set up the distribution points. Iyon kanila pong listahan, kailangan ayusin nila,” he added.
The DILG reminded LGUs to observe health protocols to prevent transmission.
He also told community pantry organizers to coordinate with LGUs, barangays, or the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the aid distribution which is encouraged to be conducted on a house-to-house setup. – Report from Louisa Erispe/AG-rir
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