The aid distribution for those affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila will begin on Wednesday.
According to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the mayors of Metro Manila agreed to begin the distribution of cash assistance on Wednesday after giving P10.9 billion in funds to local government units (LGUs) on Friday.
Manila is under strict community quarantine status until August 20 to control the spread of COVID-19 in the face of the threat of the more contagious Delta variant.
According to Malacañang, there will be 10.9 million beneficiaries in NCR, who will receive P1,000 in assistance per person or up to P4,000 per family.
The DILG said they would let each LGU figure out how to distribute the aids without people gathering.
Some LGUs, such as Makati and Muntinlupa, will only assist online so that people do not have to go out.
In Pasig, the distribution area will be divided into small “bubbles” to avoid long lines.
Quezon City is still figuring out how to do the distribution, said Mayor Joy Belmonte.
ECQ aid distribution in Metro Manila begins Wednesday
The Quezon City government has also asked for backup from the police if someone spreads fake news, which could be a reason to increase aid distribution.
Some mayors plan to appeal to extend the time so that they can distribute the aid.
According to the DILG, the LGUs have only 15 days to complete the distribution of aid.
But even now, some LGUs, such as Muntinlupa, are distributing food packs, where each family is given relief packs with only rice, noodles, canned food, and coffee.
Families from the Pasay LGU have 5 kilos of rice each.
This Monday, 4 barangays were the first to be given rice, but some residents said it would not be enough, so they still need to approach this ECQ.
In Makati, nearly 25,000 senior citizens who have been fully vaccinated received P1,000 gift certificates.
It is said that about 260,000 food packs of Pasig LGU are also ready.
Malacañang also assured that Laguna and Bataan, recently subjected to ECQ, will also receive assistance.
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