Thousands of families who will be affected by the re-implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in some areas from August 6 to 20 will be receiving assistance from the government.
In a public briefing on Tuesday (August 3), Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the P13.1 billion fund for 10.7 million eligible beneficiaries.
According to Roque, each family may receive P1,000 to P4,000.
The fund will come from the savings of various government agencies based on Administrative Order No. 41, which states that all government agencies must identify their savings for the national budget.
“Lahat ng unobligated continuing appropriations, savings na idineklara ng mga departamento, mga ahensya, bureaus at mga opisina ng national government alinsunod nga po dito sa Administrative Order #41. So nandiyan na po ang kasagutan kung saan natin kukunin ang ating pang-ayuda. At ang halaga pong gagamitin natin para sa 10.7 million residents na makakatanggap ng ayuda sa Metro Manila ay suma total P13.1 billion,” Roque said.
He added that a portion of the fund is allocated for contingencies.
“Mayroon tayong contingency for whatever we may still need, dahil hindi naman po natin nasisigurado talaga iyong bilang. Lumalaki iyan, lumiliit, depende sa mga listahan. So iyon po iyon, mayroon lang po tayong provision for contingency,” Roque said.
Earlier, Metro Manila mayors assembled to talk about the guidelines in implementing ECQ in the National Capital Region and the preparation for the distribution of financial assistance. – Report from Ryan Lesigues / CF – rir
