DILG: Cash aid distribution deadline in NCR Plus extended up to May 15

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday announced that the deadline for the distribution of cash aid in NCR Plus has been moved to May 15.

In a statement, DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said this is a ‘one-time’ extension only and the deadline will no longer be extended again.

The extension was approved by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista, and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana after their meeting with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority  chairperson Benhur Abalos and all NCR mayors on Sunday.

“It is very challenging to do distribution during a pandemic. Our LGUs  cannot go full blast given the grave threat of COVID-19 so their request for more time is justified,” Malaya said.

With the extension, Malaya said LGUs can utilize one or a combination of different schemes like house-to-house distribution, automated financial system, or designated public distribution points.

LGUs will also have more time to address all complaints and appeals submitted to the Grievance and Appeals Committee.

“Hundreds of appeals were submitted by people to the LGU Grievance and Appeals Committee and the LGUs need time to validate, investigate and decide on these appeals,” Malaya said.

In Metro Manila, 51.64% or 1 in 2 people already received their cash aid. Around P5.79 billion has been distributed to at least 5,769,852 beneficiaries in 17 LGUs in NCR, as of Monday.

The DILG said the top five LGUs with the highest distribution rate in NCR is Mandaluyong City at 74.32% (P270.9 Million), San Juan City at 63.78% (P98.42 Million), Caloocan City at 63.46% (P848 Million), City of Manila at 60% (P915.7 Million) and Quezon City at 59.77% (P1.483 Billion).

As of Monday, the DILG said a total of P5.7 Billion out of the P11.1 Billion released to NCR LGUs have already been received by beneficiaries.

Data is still being compiled from the provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal and Cavite, the DILG said.

Due to the rising COVID-19 cases, the government earlier placed NCR, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal—collectively called NCR Plus —under enhanced community quarantine. The restrictions have since been downgraded to a modified ECQ.

Under the strictest community quarantine classification, the mobility of people is restricted as well as the operation of some businesses.

The government allocated P22.9 billion for a cash assistance program for the affected residents. They will receive an assistance of P1,000 per individual with a maximum of P4,000 per family.

The cash aid distribution started April 7.

Based on the guidelines issued by the DILG, LGUs were directed to determine through an executive order the ways of releasing the cash aid to residents within 15 calendars days upon receipt of the funds. — RSJ, GMA News