Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 9) — Pasig City has opted for house-to-house distribution of cash aid as reports emerge of recipients gathering in large groups and lining up until wee hours to get their financial assistance from their local government.
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto on Friday said 40 teams have been deployed to visit the homes of the individuals qualified to receive aid during the enhanced community quarantine period. He said the visits are unannounced to prevent crowding of those hoping to receive help.
The local chief executive added they are opting for cashless distribution for families that are part of the Social Welfare Development’s Social Amelioration Program list.
Pasig will distribute aid to 681,743 residents.
“Walang perpektong paraan sa distribusyon nito… Ngunit malaking tulong po ito sa ating Lungsod, at sisikapin nating maging smooth at LIGTAS ang pamamahagi nito,” the mayor said in post on his Facebook page.
The Interior Department said local government units in Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna are encouraged to complete the distribution of cash aid within 15 days. They may be allowed an extension if they could not make all aid releases within the prescribed period.
As COVID-19 infections continue to increase, the national government decided to place Metro Manila and nearby provinces under enhanced community quarantine. For people in the restricted areas, this means having to lose several days’ worth of income.
To help them, the national government allocated P22.9 billion for assistance to eligible beneficiaries, including low-income households and the vulnerable sector. An individual beneficiary will receive P1,000, with a family entitled to a maximum of P4,000.
