The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Wednesday, March 31, that the list of beneficiaries it used for the implementation of the government’s Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP) will be given to the local government units (LGUs) “today, at the earliest” to serve as reference for the immediate distribution of financial assistance to around 22.9 million recipients in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
The DSWD said it is committed to extend technical assistance to the LGUs to ensure the expeditious distribution of financial aid in ECQ areas.
"The list of beneficiaries served in the ESP implementation may be used by the LGUs as a reference for identifying the individuals who will be given aid in their respective localities,” it said in a statement.
"DSWD will provide the list to the LGUs today, at the earliest, to enable them to start the distribution of the aid to the qualified recipients that will be given in cash or in kind depending on the discretion of the LGUs.”
Citing the issuance of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the DSWD said an eligible individual is entitled to PhP1,000, provided that the assistance given to a family should not exceed the cap of P4,000.
The DSWD also urged the LGUs to consider the inclusion of other beneficiaries such as low-income individuals living alone and belonging to the most affected and vulnerable sectors, in the list of beneficiaries for the government’s latest financial aid to low-income beneficiaries affected by the imposition of ECQ from March 29 to April 4.
"The DSWD commits to assist the LGUs of the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal to ensure efficient and effective delivery of the needed assistance,” it said.
DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista vowed Monday night, March 29, to set up a "grievance mechanism" to help ensure the transparent and expeditious distribution of the P23-billion worth of financial aid to around 22.9 million beneficiaries in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).