ILOILO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD Region 6) is set to release P2.6-billion in cash aid for those who are affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status in both Iloilo province and Iloilo City to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“Understanding the urgent need for assistance in Iloilo, we are immediately facilitating the releasing of cash aid,” said Regional Director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre, regional director of DSWD Region 6.
This was after DSWD Central Office in Metro Manila approved an earlier recommendation of DSWD Region 6 office to give cash aids to residents of Iloilo as the ECQ status has had a negative impact on livelihood for the period of July 16-31.
The DSWD Region 6 also made the recommendation for the cash aid as a practical means of helping out instead of distributing food packs, which takes time to repack and distribute to affected residents of the 42 towns and component city in Iloilo province as well as in Iloilo City.
“We are recommending provision of cash to the families because this option will be more responsive to the urgent needs of the people,” said Macapobre.
Macapobre said the DSWD Region 6 is closely coordinating with 43 local government units (LGUs) in Iloilo province as well as Iloilo City for the distribution of the cash aid.
DSWD Region 6 is targeting to give cash aid to at least 665,561 families in the 43 LGUs in Iloilo province and Iloilo City.
Families can avail P4,000 cash aid while singular individuals are allowed to get P1,000 cash aid.
Meanwhile, progressive groups led by Bayan Panay, Gariela and Kaisog had a dialogue with DSWD Region 6 officials Tuesday, June 27. They submitted their respective petitions for the immediate release of cash aid.