The cash aid (ayuda) distribution for the qualified recipients in Metro Manila will possibly begin on August 6, Department of the Interior and Local Interior (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said on Wednesday, August 4.
In an interview over ABs-CBN’s TeleRadyo, Año said that about P11.2 billion has been allotted for the financial aid in the National Capital Region (NCR) which was placed under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20 to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) Delta variant.
“Siguro pagpatak ng ating ECQ pilitin nating masimulan na yan (ayuda distribution) (Maybe it will be given at the start of the ECQ begins, we will try to start distribution),’’ Año said.
“Sa lalong madaling panahon kasi kailangan nating mabigay itong ayuda (At the soonest time possible we need to this cash aid),’’ he added.
The DILG chief clarified that the final list of beneficiaries will be provided by the local government units (LGUs) with the aid may be handed out through distribution points, via house-to-house, or through remittance centers.
“All authorized persons outside their residence, including those unvaccinated, may leave their house during the ECQ provided they have valid IDs or documentation,’’ Año stressed.
He explained that at present there is no regulation that states that only vaccinated individuals can go out adding that those unvaccinated persons can still go outdoors but noted they need to be extra careful.
If possible, Año said that vaccinated members of the household should be the ones going out to buy food, medicine or other essential needs.
“Manufacturing and food delivery businesses will be allowed to operate,’’ he noted.
An estimated 10.7 million out of the 13 million people in Metro Manila are slated to get P1,000 each as up to four members of a family can get cash assistance, Malacañang bared earlier. (Chito A. Chavez)