Malacañang reported on Tuesday that more funds under Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) have been released for assistance programs to workers and individuals affected by the Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
The newly released funds include ₱100-M for Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program; ₱5-B for NDRRMC Fund; ₱8-B for DOLE’s CAMP and TUPAD; ₱6-B for DSWD AICS and sustainable livelihood program; ₱11.6-B for DA Plant, Plant, Plant program; ₱20.5-B for DOH health-related responses; ₱5.1-B for DOLE AKAP; and ₱500-M for COVID-19 LGU support fund.
“Mas mabuti po ang ginawa ni Presidente. Binigyan niya po ng delegated authority si DBM Secretary Avisado para mag-approve na ng release. So hindi na po iyan dadaan sa Office of the Executive Secretary (The President has made it better. He has given DBM Secretary Avisado delegated authority to approve the release. It will no longer have to go through the Office of the Executive Secretary),” Pres. Spox. Harry Roque explained.
President Duterte on Monday evening directed concerned agencies to make the distribution of aid and assistance smoothly.
“Ito bang ibinigay na pera, iyan ang ayaw ko sa lahat, ‘yung delay. Gaya ng assistance, ‘yung assistance, kailangan ng pagkain, nandiyan kaagad (What I hate the most is the delay in the distribution of cash aid. Just like the assistance. Food is needed, it should be given immediately),” President Duterte stated.
“Simplify the giving of the money by asking for a proposal. Then that proposal should not be studied by days or months, you just review it…Do away with delay,” he urged. – Report from Mela Lesmoras