Cayetano urges ‘house to house’ aid distribution for COVID-hit households

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano suggested that national and local governments distribute cash and non-cash assistance to households affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic "house to house."

In a statement on Sunday, Cayetano stressed the need to adopt out-of-the-box solutions to operationalize the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, which primarily gives President Rodrigo Duterte the special authority to respond to the COVID-19 situation.

The Speaker's proposal for the distribution of aid as provided under the newly-enacted law had three characteristics: it would be a house-to-house strategy, have no-contact, and would make use of photo-documentation.

“Let’s do it house-to-house to minimize the crowd, there should be little to no contact between the beneficiaries and relief workers, maximize the use of technology for documentation and record-keeping,” he said.

“We must strike a crucial balance between delivering much-needed aid, while making sure that we keep contact and the risk of contamination as close to zero as we can,” he added.

Traditionally, organizers distribute tickets to people before they could get their packages. On the scheduled date of distribution, beneficiaries converge on a single venue to claim their cash and goods assistance, and they would sign a proof of acceptance for documentation.

But Cayetano said such that this traditional way of distribution of goods was no longer feasible considering the risk of infection of COVID-19.

“Our objective in Congress is to help in the building of a delivery system that is fast, effective and complete with all the safeguards necessary for government to protect the People,” he said.

Cayetano suggested to limit the distribution team to five members, namely: a local government representative either from the Social Welfare Department, Barangay Affairs office or Urban Poor Affairs office; Barangay Representative; Representative from the Office of the Congressman/woman; Urban Poor Neighborhood Association/NGO/Home Owners Association Leader; and PNP or AFP for security. 

According to him, a well-represented group of five members can address issues of mistrust in the distribution of items and it also assures transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile, the taking of photos for documentation can be done in lieu of signing a proof of acceptance to minimize person to person contact, Cayetano said.

The distribution team will likewise be equipped with protective gear such as googles, protective gowns, gloves, alcohol, and cellphone cameras, and provided with food and transportation so that the delivery of the goods will be fast and efficient.

Under the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, around 18 million low-income households belonging to the informal sector will be targeted to receive monthly emergency subsidies amounting to P5,000 to P8,000 for two months.

The assistance shall be "computed based on the prevailing regional minimum wage rates."

The law also provides for an expanded and enhanced Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, responsive to the needs of those affected by the enhanced community quarantine may also be implemented. — DVM, GMA News