President Rodrigo Duterte announced Monday the national government allotted ₱200-billion-worth of aid for low-income families affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
“We have allotted ₱200 billion for low-income households who are badly affected by this crisis. Beneficiary households will receive emergency support for their two months based on the regional minimum wage,” the President said in his address to the nation Monday midnight.
“Sila ang nasa [Those in the] informal sector and those who live day to day on subsistence wages or no work no pay,” he said.
He described the financial aid as the “largest and widest social protection program in the country’s history.”
“Arrangements, beneficiary households will receive emergency support for their two months based on the regional minimum wage,” he added.
Duterte also appealed to the private sector to continue to “look after” their countrymen and to help in any way that they can.
“I also appeal to the private sector to help in any way that you can,” he said.
“To those who have more in life, I implore you to share in the cost of taking share of the less fortunate and keeping our society intact. They have also contributed to our prosperity in one way or the other, so let us support them,” he added.
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President Rodrigo Duterte unveils biggest financial aid assistance in PH history
The President also assured the agricultural sector that they would continue to receive support from the government.
“To our farmers and fisherfolk, we have not forgotten you, and the government is now employing quick response measures to help you during the crisis as well as ensure food productivity, sufficiency,” Duterte added.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is set to distribute social amelioration cards for cash assistance amid the global crisis.
Persons with disabilities, senior citizens, pregnant mothers, homeless persons, and workers in informal sectors would receiver ₱5,000 and ₱8,000 cash aid from DSWD.
“Food packs and essential non-food items are being distributed through the LGUs. Contaminated areas in the Visayas and Mindanao are receiving similar assistance,” Duterte said.
“More will be given to augment the requirements of the LGUs in the coming days.
Gagawin ko lahat para walang magutom,” he added.