A total of P10.894 billion was released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to aid residents and families affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National capital Region (NCR).
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after Metro Manila was placed under ECQ for two weeks from August 6 to 20, 2021.
In his press briefing on Monday, August 9, Roque, citing the Bureau of Treasury, said the amount was already downloaded to concerned local government units (LGUs) on Friday, August 6.
Affected residents will receive P1,000 each or up to P4,000 per family.
According to Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista, Metro Manila mayors agreed to release the cash assistance or "ayuda" at the same time.
In the same briefing, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the distribution of cash assistance in Metro Manila will start on Wednesday, August 11.
He added that LGUs can opt to start before the agreed date.
The LGUs have 15 days to finish the distribution of the financial assistance to their constituents. They were allowed to extend the period of distribution if they cannot complete it due to challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the DBM has proposed P2.715 billion for cash assistance for the residents affected by the ECQ imposed in Laguna.
President Duterte approved placing a number of areas under ECQ due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases and the alarming increase of Delta variant cases.