Around 22.9 million individuals affected by the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR)-plus from March 29 to April 4 are expected to receive P1,000 financial aid each, with a maximum amount of P4,000 per family.
The 11-page Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1 series of 2021, which serves as joint implementing guidelines for the distribution of one-time financial assistance to cities and municipalities in the NCR ad in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, has been issued.
Based on the guidelines, the priority target beneficiaries are low-income individuals and those working in informal economies affected by the implementation of the ECQ, subject to evaluation by the concerned local government unit (LGU) in the NCR-plus area.
The JMC No. 1 provides that in the distribution of the financial assistance, the LGU shall give the assistance in the order of priority as follows:
-Beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) under the Bayanihan Act 1 and additional beneficiaries of emergency subsidy under Section 4,f(3) of Bayanihan Act 2;
-SAP waitlisted beneficiaries;
-Those belonging to vulnerable groups, such as low-income individuals living alone, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, etc.; and
-Such other individuals affected by the ECQ as may be determined by the LGU provided that funds are still available.
Under JMC No. 1, the LGUs shall determine the "most efficient and effective way of release of assistance, whether in cash or in-kind to their constituents.
The type, manner and process of distribution shall be contained in an executive order or issuance by the local chief executive prior to distribution, it said.
“The LGU shall manage and conduct the distribution of the emergency subsidy within 15 calendar days from the release of the Notice of Cash allocation to them if the assistance is done in cash, and within 30 days calendar days of assistance is given in-kind,” it said.
Based on the guidelines, prior to actual distribution, the LGU shall post in its official website, social media accounts, and at conspicuous place in the concerned barangay the list of approved beneficiaries limited only to the following information: given, middle name, and last names of beneficiaries; and barangay and district.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) vowed on Sunday, April 4, to keep an eye on the implementation of the government’s one-time financial aid program for 22.9 million low-income beneficiaries in areas under ECQ.