The cash assistance or ‘ayuda’ distribution in the National Capital Region (NCR) began today (Aug. 11) amid the ongoing implementation of a 14-day enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) allocated P10.894 billion for the region’s assistance to affected residents, with Quezon City receiving the biggest chunk at P2.372 billion.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista and Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, who witnessed the ceremonial distribution in several cities, said the first day of payout was organized and systematic. Both officials first went to Brgy. San Isidro in Parañaque City.
“‘Yung scheduling mas maganda, tapos sumusunod ‘yung tao. Although mayroon kaming reports na maaga pa raw nakapila na, pero pinauwi… ‘Yung mga nagbabakasali na wala sa schedule, ‘yung mga ‘yun pinauwi through the help of PNP [Philippine National Police],” Malaya said.
In Quezon City, the local government established 40 distribution sites to attend to nearly 43,000 beneficiaries. It advised residents whose barangays were not included today to wait for their schedule.
In Manila, beneficiaries are called in each street per barangay to prevent crowding. Fifty barangays have already started their distribution in 80 payout sites.
Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan said they plan to finish the distribution to almost 410,000 qualified beneficiaries in 10 days. Malaya said the payout in the city would not lead to a superspreader event due to health protocol compliance.
The Valenzuela government will also open nine to 10 payout centers per day to service over 176,000 families. The payout of P590 million will begin in Barangays Ugong, Malinta, Marulas, and Karuhatan.
Meanwhile, Taguig City thanked the national government for its P723 million budget that will cover the same beneficiaries of the previous emergency relief assistance, while Makati City earlier announced tapping GCash for cashless payout.
PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the first day of payout has been smooth, with their unit commanders supervised by their respective commanders.
“Well, kung kailangan ng security adjustment, alam nila ang gagawin,” he said. – Report from Ryan Lesigues/AG-jlo
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