There will be no delay in the distribution of cash aid from the national government (NG) for low-income individuals in the National Capital Region (NCR), which is currently under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured on Wednesday.
The DILG, through Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, said the DILG and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) supervised the distribution of the Ayuda II, or cash aid distribution, in the City of Manila “to ensure the orderly conduct of payout activities in the city,” Malaya said.
The direct involvement of NG agencies in the distribution came on the heels of President Duterte’s statement criticizing an LGU leader for the “disorderly” distribution of the cash aid to residents, including “chaos” in vaccination centers, apparently alluding to Manila headed by Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso, reported to be a leading presidential candidate in a recent poll who may run against another potential candidate, Presidential Daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
“As agreed with the Metro Manila Council, all local government units in the NCR [National Capital Region] started their Ayuda II distribution today [Wednesday, August 11, 2021], including the City of Manila,” Malaya added.
Malaya said that officials and representatives of the DILG, DSWD, and the Department of National Defense (DND) led by DSWD Secretary Roland Bautista attended the ceremonial distribution of ayuda at the Jose Abad Santos High School in Binondo, Manila at 9:30 a.m.
He said additional personnel from the DSWD and the DILG have been deployed at all distribution sites in the City of Manila to supervise the payout of the Manila Social Welfare Department and ensure the orderly and systematic distribution.
“Secretary Eduardo M. Año has also directed PMGen [Police Major General] Vicente Danao to deploy additional police officers and social distance patrollers to the City of Manila for an orderly distribution,” he said.
In other LGUs, representatives of national government agencies that are members of the Joint Monitoring and Inspection Committee will also be present in all distribution points to monitor the distribution and ensure compliance to Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 3.
He said that the DILG, DSWD, and DND are committed to ensuring that the distribution of financial assistance is timely, orderly, and given to qualified beneficiaries.
Image courtesy of Roy Domingo