By Aira Genesa Magdayao
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – The provincial government of Palawan will receive P122 million from the national government under the The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, or Republic Act 11469.
The cash grant was allocated to allow the provincial government to adequately respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Officer and Emergency Operation Center Manager Jeremias Alili, the fund will be utilized for the needed interventions against COVID-19.
He said that they will be sourcing the budget needed to purchase more personal protective equipment (PPEs), test kits and other equipment from the fund.
"This fund will be allocated for the purchase of hospital equipment, Protective Equipment (PPE), test kits and vitamins for the front liners," he said,
The cash grant will also be used for the other incidental expenses such as fuel for the transportation of medical personnel, ambulance and relief distribution.
"Incidental expenses such as fuel for ambulance and transportation for the delivery of relief goods will be covered of this fund," Alili added,
The remainder of the P122-million cash grant would be used to provide additional food assistance for all families affected by the enhanced community quarantine (EQC), and for the establishment of a COVID-19 testing center in Palawan.