The Department of the Interior and Local Government today announced that the distribution of the P22.9 Billion ayuda to residents of NCR, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite has been extended up to May 15, 2021 upon the request of the mayors.
DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said that the decision was made by DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año, DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, and DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana after meeting with MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos and all NCR mayors last Sunday night.
“This extension is a ‘one-time’ extension only across all LGUs in NCR Plus and will no longer be extended anew,” he said.
Malaya said the request of the LGUs was granted by the three (3) government agencies to ensure the safety of the beneficiaries by strictly implementing minimum health standards during distribution. “It is very challenging to do distribution during a pandemic. Our LGUs cannot go full blast given the grave threat of Covid-19 so their request for more time is justified,” he said.
He said that the extension will also provide enough time for LGUs to roll out the Ayuda Funds utilizing one or a combination of different schemes like house-to-house distribution, automated financial system, or designated public distribution points. “Our LGUs are making adjustments in their distribution because of the pandemic so they need more time,” he said.
Malaya also said that the extension will also give the LGUs time to address all complaints and appeals submitted to the LGU Grievance and Appeals Committee. “Hundreds of appeals were submitted by people to the LGU Grievance and Appeals Committee and the LGUs need time to validate, investigate and decide on these appeals,” he said.
Notwithstanding the extension, the DILG commended the LGUs for working overtime to get the Ayuda coming from the National Government to their constituents despite the limitations of cash distribution to millions of people in a pandemic.
In Metro Manila, 51.64% or 1 in 2 people has received their Ayuda. P5.79-Billion has been distributed to some 5,769,852 beneficiaries across the 17 LGUs in NCR as of yesterday.
“In just 13 days of actual distribution, our LGUs in Metro Manila have distributed P5.79 Billion. That is a significant accomplishment and we congratulate the Mayors for a job well done,” he said.
The top 5 LGUs with the highest distribution rate in NCR is Mandaluyong City at 74.32% (P270.9 Million), San Juan City at 63.78% (P98.42 Million), Caloocan City at 63.46% (P848 Million), City of Manila at 60% (P915.7 Million) and Quezon City at 59.77% (P1.483 Billion).
A total of P5.7 Billion out of the P11.1 Billion released to NCR LGUs have been received by their constituents as of yesterday. Data is still being compiled from the provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal and Cavite. (PR)
