ONLY a third of the P23-billion budget for assistance of people affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its surrounding areas have been distributed.
As of Sunday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said over P7.4 billion were distributed by local government units (LGU) to their qualified constituents.
The bulk or P4.6 billion of the amount went to beneficiaries in Metro Manila.
In Calabarzon and Central Luzon, P4.6 billion and P658 million were released, respectively.
Last week, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported some LGUs have already asked for an extension of the 15-day distribution period for the P1,000 worth of aid per person in ECQ-affected areas.
The concerned LGUs cited lack of available personnel as well as restrictions in mass gathering and movement as the main cause in the delays in their distribution of the assistance.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque asked for the public’s understanding on the slow pace of the distribution of the promised assistance.
He said all of the P23-billion budget will be eventually distributed to its intended beneficiaries.
While waiting for the aid from the government, several communities established their “community pantries” where people could freely donate and take food.
Former vice president Jejomar Binay said the emergence of the “community pantry” shows the “absence” of the government when in comes to providing prompt aid to people affected by the pandemic.
Roque belied the pronouncement of Binay, attributing the trend to the “bayanihan” spirit of Filipinos.
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