By Chito Chavez
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday, April 24, guaranteed that all qualified beneficiaries will receive their cash aid even in areas where the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will end on April 30.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Photo from Philippine Information Agency / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a news briefing, Año said local government units (LGU) will now take charge declaring that 91 percent of the funds under the social amelioration program (SAP) are now downloaded to the LGUs.
Año lamented that those left out from the initial cash aid roster or those who have not received their subsidy need not worry as the LGUs will include their names in the list that will be submitted to the department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Earlier, DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista assured that they will be looking for available funds to provide cash aids to those left out from the initial list.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has vigorously called on the LGUs to expedite the distribution of the assistance while admitting the payout has been slow.
Recognizing the people’s sentiments, Año noted the government assures that those who have not gotten their cash aid will be provided with their amelioration in due time.
On Thursday, April 23, the DSWD said 5.7 million out of the target 18 million low-income families have received their assistance.
The government has allotted P200 billion to be given to beneficiaries across the country in April and May.
Under the program, low-income families are entitled to P5,000 to P8,000 cash aid for each of the two months, depending on each region's minimum wage rate.