DILG extends NCR cash aid payout to August 31

The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Wednesday announced that it has extended the deadline for the distribution of cash aid in Metro Manila to August 31.

In a statement, the DILG said that only around 80% or P9.1 billion out of the P11.2 billion funds has been distributed to low-income individuals and families in the National Capital Region as of Tuesday.

“We have decided to give the LGUs in the NCR until the end of the month to complete the distribution of ayuda,” DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said.

A total of 9,101,999 beneficiaries have received their ayuda in NCR from August 11 to 24, the DILG said.

The extension was made upon the request of the LGUs and with the concurrence of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, according to Año.

Likewise, the DILG chief said some LGUs cited limited mobility and manpower when they requested for more time for the payout.

He added, “The mayors also need more time to process appeals and grievances so it is justified for us to give an extension.” 

Only Caloocan City has completed the distribution of the social assistance fund, Año said.

Pateros, Pasay, Manila, and Mandaluyong  finished the payout at 97.34%, 95.16%, 91.57%, and 85.84%, respectively.

Initially, Metro Manila LGUs were given 15 days to complete the distribution of the cash aid, which started on August 11 and was originally set to end Wednesday, August 25. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News