Street sweeper returns P8-k COVID-19 cash aid in Marikina

A street sweeper in Marikina City returned his 8,000-peso cash subsidy from the government, saying that there are other people who need it more than him.

Arturo Pantas from Barangay Nangka said he chose to return his share of financial aid since he has not lost his job amid the enhanced community quarantine.

“Meron pa pong mas nangangailangan na talaga pong nagugutom,” he said in a 24 Oras report by Maki Pulido on Tuesday.

“Hindi po katulad namin, tuloy tuloy po ang trabaho namin, sumasahod po kami. Kahit papaano, may pinambibili pa po kami,” Pantas added.

Around half of the social amelioration beneficiaries in Marikina have received their cash subsidy so far.

The Marikina government will also distribute P2,500 to members of the vulnerable sector.

Meanwhile, the local government is preparing a loan assistance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that will be offered once the quarantine is lifted.

SMEs may loan P50,000 to P100,000 at 0% interest with 18 months to pay.

A 10,000-peso microfinancing will also be offered at 0% interest with 12 months to pay.

Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said he wants manpower and materials for construction projects to be sourced from Marikina in order to support residents who lost their sources of income due to the quarantine.

“Ine-encourage namin na kung pupuwede, gastusin nila ‘yung perang natanggap nila dito rin sa Marikina para umikot ‘yung pera dito sa loob ng Marikina,” he said. -Julia Mari Ornedo/NB, GMA News