Sta. Rosa and Biñan, Laguna to distribute cash aid through house-to-house visits

Local government units of Sta. Rosa and Biñan, Laguna will be distributing cash aid to its residents through house-to-house visits.

According to John Consulta's Saturday report on 24 Oras, house-to-house visits were implemented so residents, especially senior citizens, would not have to line up and stay in crowded areas.

Starting on Saturday, the local government of Sta. Rosa will remove its distribution centers and distribute cash aid by going to people's homes.

Aside from changing the process, the local government said that it added funds to the national government's budget so they can give more residents financial aid.

Sta. Rosa mayor Arlene Arcillas said that they've added vulnerable people to the list of those who will get financial aid, including tricycle drivers, persons with disabilities, and fisherfolk who are not part of the social amelioration program.

Meanwhile, in Biñan, once authorities visit the household, residents just need to accomplish a set of forms and verify their identity. Once finished, they can get P1,000 to P4,000 per family depending on the number of recipients.

"Hindi natin papapilahin sa init ng araw ang mga tao. Ipaparamdam natin sa mga tao na may gobyerno so 'yung tulong ng national government, tayo magpaabot sa mga tao," Biñan mayor Arman Dimaguila said.

(We won't let the people line up under the heat of the sun. We'll let them feel that there is a government, help coming from the national government. We'll distribute it to the people)

The local government unit of Laguna will also distribute in-kind help to more than 600,000 families considered to be the poorest.

"Ang provincial government ay nag-allot po ng pondo para makapagbigay tayo ng relief packs. Naunawaan ko po ang kalagayan ng bawat isa at tayo ay gumagawa ng paraan para maihatid po sainyo ang tulong," Governor Ramil Hernandez said.

(The provincial government has alloted funds to give out relief goods. I understand the situation of each one of you and we are finding ways to give out help)

Laguna is among the areas put under the enhanced community quarantine. The quarantine, imposed in the NCR Plus bubble, is set to expire on Sunday, April 11.

The strictest quarantine classification in the area began on March 29. It was supposed to end on April 4 but was extended until April 11. — Kaela Malig/DVM, GMA News