MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has allowed local government units (LGUs) to tap 20 percent of its funds for development projects to augment their respective budgets for COVID-19 response.
DILG spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya disclosed in the Laging Handa press briefing on Saturday that Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año have approved a Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 that would permit the utilization of 20 percent of the Annual Internal Avenue Allotment for Development Projects to buy supplies and fund other requirements for LGU initiatives to address the COVID-19 crisis.
According to Malaya, the memorandum was signed after some local government officials reported that they are running out of quick response funds.
“‘Yung 20 percent development fund expanded na ‘yun. Pwede gamitin for personal protective equipment, gamit for COVID testing, hospital equipment,” he said.
(The 20 percent of development fund has already been expanded. It can be used for personal protective equipment, equipment for COVID-19 testing, and hospital equipment.)
Malaya added that the expanded development fund may also be used for food assistance to help poor families in the localities.