Manileños will receive a monthly food subsidy with or without the quarantine categorization, Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said Sunday, April 4.
"Kami po kahit ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine), MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine), halos lahat ng Q meron po kami sa Maynila na tinatawag na (Even if it's ECQ, MGCQ, or almost all the Q, in Manila we have what it is called) FSP, food subsidy program. This is a monthly food subsidy for the people of Manila," he said in a press conference.
On February 20, the Manila City government launched its COVID-19 Food Security Program (FSP), an initiative that will allow 700,000 families to receive a monthly food subsidy and help curb hunger and mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic.
"Isang food box 'yon. Nadali na namin ‘yung Pebrero, nadali na namin ‘yung Marso. Ngayon titirahin namin ‘yung Abril tas' nakapaghanda na kami ng Mayo, ng Hunyo at ng Hulyo. 'Yun ang ayuda namin muna with or without quarantine categorization (It's one box. We're done with February, we're also done with March. Now we're targeting the month of April and we're already prepared for May, June, and July. That will be our help in the meantime with or without quarantine categorization)," he said.
Domagoso also said that he chose to give the national government's assistance to the Manila city residents in cash as the city government already has a food subsidy program for its residents.
The national government will give cash assistance to the cities and municipalities that were placed under ECQ but it is up to the mayors if it's in cash or in-kind.
"Ako ang choice ko cash bibigay sa tao (My choice is cash that will be given to the people)," he said.
The Manila mayor said that the city government will continue to "aspire better things" for its residents amid difficult times.
"Mahirap lang talaga (It is difficult). I won't deny that na nahihirapan na rin talaga ang lokal na pamahalaan (the city government is already having a hard time). We must continue," he said.
The city government acquired an additional fund to cover the expenses of the FSP for the month of May, June, and July.