DBM releases P10.894B for cash aid to 80% of NCR population amid ECQ

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Friday said it released a total of P10.894 billion to cover the financial assistance of affected individuals and households in the National Capital Region (NCR) amid the reimposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the area from August 6 to 20.

In a statement, the DBM said the cash aid will be released directly by the Bureau of Treasury to the concerned local government units (LGUs) through their respective authorized government servicing banks.

“Upon receipt of the funds, the LGUs shall facilitate and determine the most efficient and effective way for the provision of financial assistance to their constituents,” it said.

Affected low-income individuals and families are expected to receive P1,000 per person and a maximum of P4,000 per household, to ensure that food and other non-food requirements are met despite the strict quarantine, the Budget Department said.

It said the cash aid shall benefit 10.9 million individuals or the bottom 80% of the population in Metro Manila, based on the population projection and available data of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the funding for cash aid to be given to 80% of the population of Metro Manila. 

The DBM said the total funding requirement for the cash aid was charged from the certified savings from the Fiscal Year 2020 Continuing Appropriations.

“In addition, the distribution of the assistance will be monitored by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” the Budget Department said.

“To ensure the proper utilization of the funds, the beneficiary LGU shall comply with the posting and reporting requirements specified in the DBM Local Budget Circular No. 138,” it added.

The National Economic and Development Authority earlier said the Philippine economy stands to lose P105 billion for each week that the NCR is under ECQ while the number of poor people might go up by 177,000 more and 444,000 more individuals without jobs. — RSJ, GMA News