Manila households get P1k each on top of DSWD's COVID-19 assistance fund

Aside from the financial assistance under the government's social amelioration program, households in Manila will  receive a separate city amelioration crisis assistance fund amid the Luzon-wide quarantine.

According to Chino Gaston’s Tuesday report on “24 Oras,” more than 500,000 families in the city will each be given P1,000 as aid during this COVID-19 crisis.

Mayor Isko Moreno said those who had yet to receive food packs would be prioritized.

He added that those who had yet to receive relief goods would still get their share despite the cash assistance.

“Ang gutom ng mayaman, ang gutom ng mahirap, ang gutom ng middle class, ang sikmura nila sigurado ako alas dose sabay-sabay kakalam ang sikmura at sigurado rin ako sa hapunan, sabay-sabay ding kakalam ang sikmura. So pakiusap ko lang ibigay niyo sa lahat ng tinala ninyo, wala akong hindi bibigyan,” Moreno said.

The cash subsidy would be coursed through the barangays. The distribution already began on Tuesday morning.

Moreno said the city government would not scrutinize the list the barangay sent as trust is needed at this unprecedented situation.

After the distribution, each barangay official was escorted back to their community by security personnel due to the big amount of money.

Moreno said his office was open for those who want to help especially now that the quarantine has been extended up to April 30.

“Kaya ako nananawagan ng tulong, any help will do,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development already started rolling out the P8,000 financial aid on Monday in Manila.

About 700 families were able to receive aid starting from Barangay 50 in Tondo.

Under the social amelioration program of the DSWD, assistance will be given to low-income households, including senior citizens, persons with a disability, single parents, overseas Filipinos in distress, and pregnant mothers. -Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News