DILG to LGUs: Fasttrack SAP distribution as some families haven't received aid yet

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday directed local government units to fasttrack the distribution of the cash aid to qualified beneficiaries of the government's social amelioration program.

In a press statement, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said LGUs only have until April 30 to distribute the cash assistance to all beneficiaries.

"Ibinaba na po ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ang pondo para sa SAP emergency subsidy sa mga LGUs kaya wala na pong dahilan para hindi iyan makarating sa ating mga kababayang kapus-palad ngayong panahon ng pandemya,” Año said.

“May kasabihan tayo na ‘aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo.’ Kaya’t ang bilin natin sa lahat ng LGUs ay bilisan ang pagbibigay natin sa kanila ng ayudang nanggaling sa pamahalaan,” he added.

According to the DILG chief, the agency has been receiving reports that some low-income families have not yet received their assistance from the government.

The DILG also reminded those recipients of the cash aid to use it wisely. The agency warned that those who will use the aid for illegal gambling and drinking alcohol would be sanctioned.

"Gamitin ninyo nang tama at wasto ang bigay ng gobyerno para sa inyo. Hindi mangingimi ang gobyerno na alisin sa listahan, bawian ng ayuda, o parusahan ang sinumang nagsusugal at nag-iinom ng alak sa panahon ng krisis na ito,” DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said.

Meanwhile, Año said the government is now preparing for the second wave of SAP financial assistance, noting that this will be given to those in the areas under extended ECQ and those who were “left out” during the first wave.

The national government earlier announced that the enhanced community quarantine would be extended in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and other high-risk areas until May 15.

Meanwhile, some areas will be placed under general community quarantine by May 1.—AOL, GMA News