DILG urges LGUs to fast-track distribution of social amelioration cards

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units to fast-track the distribution of the social amelioration cards and come up with a master list of qualified beneficiaries of the government's emergency subsidy program.

In a statement, DILG chief Eduardo Año made the call to ensure the quick release of assistance to those affected by the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"We must act fast to help our poor countrymen. I am directing all LGUs to produce a master list of the social amelioration programs' target beneficiaries at the earliest possible time for us be able to immediately address the needs of our countrymen," Año said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started the distribution of the social amelioration card forms which will be used as the basis of local authorities in providing aid to the families.

For his part, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles urged the public to coordinate with their LGUs so that they will receive the subsidies “at the soonest possible time.”

"Sa mga di pamilyar sa proseso, hinihikayat namin kayo makipag-ugnayan sa mga LGU ninyo o pumunta sa DSWD Facebook Page, kung saan may mga gabay sa pag fill-out ng social amelioration card na kakailanganin nyo para makatanggap ng social amelioration package," Nograles said in a virtual press conference.

"Hintayin lamang po ang hudyat o anunsyo ng inyong mga LGU hinggil sa takdang pagsisimula ng pamamahagi ng benepisyong ito."

According to the DSWD, local government units will provide the list of around 18 million low-income Filipino families who would benefit from the program.

Those who would be included will receive cash and non-cash monthly assistance amounting to P5,000 to 8,000 for two months.

Meanwhile, Año also reminded local government officials of the strict observance of the home quarantine, physical distancing and prohibition of mass gatherings in distributing the SAC forms and in providing the assistance to the beneficiaries.

"It will defeat the purpose of controlling the spread of the coronavirus if we will not practice proper ECQ protocols. Baka imbes na mapababa natin ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa bansa ay dito pa tayo magkaproblema," Año said.

He also said local government officials must lead the door-to-door distribution of the cards and the subsidy to ensure that the aid reaches the target beneficiaries. —  Anna Felicia Bajo and Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News