LGUs to decide whether aid is ‘in cash’ or ‘in kind’: DILG

It is up to the local government unit (LGUs) to decide whether they will distribute the aid “in cash” or “in kind” to their constituents affected by the enhanced community quarantine, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Thursday.

As many as 22.9 million people will receive assistance from the government after Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal were subjected to the strictest lockdown level due to the continuous increase in COVID-19 cases.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The LGUs have the discretion to determine if the assistance will be given in cash or in kind provided that the assistance gets to their constituents soonest,” said DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya in a statement.

According to Malaya, the mayors must issue an executive order detailing whether the aid is “in cash” or “in kind,” and the process of its distribution.

Beneficiaries include low-income individuals and those working in the informal sector who have received the first tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), additional beneficiaries of the second tranche of SAP, those on the SAP wait-list, and low -income individual alone, person with a disability, and solo parent.

ADVERTISEMENT

The LGU can also provide assistance to others affected by the ECQ if there are still funds left.

LGUs to decide whether aid is ‘in cash’ or ‘in kind’: DILG

According to Malaya, the DSWD will provide the LGU with a list of former SAP recipients.

Local officials must first publish on their websites and social media accounts the names of aid recipients before starting distribution, Malaya said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Malaya, on the other hand, assured that the distribution of aid will be safe.

It also ordered the establishment of an appeals committee where people could complain in relation to the distribution of aid.

A joint monitoring and inspection team will also be formed to respond to complaints related to financial assistance.

Meanwhile, progressive solons lambasted Wednesday the P1,000 worth of aid that would be given to low-income residents who are affected by the enhanced community quarantine in NCR Plus areas.

Representatives France Castro, Eufemia Cullamat, and Arlene Brosas said the amount would not be enough for an individual to survive in a week of lockdown.