PRDD okays P3.69B more budget for NCR, Bataan, Laguna 'ayuda'
By Chito Chavez
President Duterte has approved a total of P3.693 additional cash aid (ayuda) not only for the low-income individuals of Metro Manila but also for those in Bataan and Laguna areas, an official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Thursday, Aug. 12.
Of the figure, P2.715 billion will go to Laguna, P700 million to Bataan and P278 million for the National Capital Region (NCR).
DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the newly-approved cash aid was on top of the almost P11 billion that was earlier released for residents of Metro Manila which is under Enhanced Community Quarantine from August 6 to 20.
“Yes, the President also approved an additional P278 million for Metro Manila as requested by the DILG and NCR LGUs (local government units),” said Malaya.
He said the budget will be downloaded to the respective local governments by Thursday or Friday.
Metro Manila, Laguna and Bataan have been placed under ECQ in a bid to delay the spread of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19 ) Delta variant in the country.
Each qualified beneficiary will receive P1,000 cash assistance with every household getting a maximum of P4,000.
NCR was placed under ECQ from August 6 to 20 where essential firms and industries are allowed to operate and authorized persons outside residence (APOR) permitted outdoors. Laguna is under ECQ from August 6 to 15 with the same restrictions imposed in Bataan from August 8 to 22. (Chito A. Chavez)