DILG orders LGUs to submit master list of COVID-19 aid beneficiaries ASAP

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) are urged to speed up the creation of a master list of their qualified beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program, which provides assistance to those affected by the coronavirus disease crisis, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Tuesday.

“We must act fast to help our poor countrymen. I am directing all LGUs to produce a master list of the social amelioration programs’ target beneficiaries at the earliest possible time for us to be able to immediately address the needs of our countrymen,” Año said in a statement.

To fast-track the list, Año said LGUs must distribute the Social Amelioration Cards (SAC) to poor families who will benefit the relief packages.

The SAC includes the family profile which will be an identification card for poor families and vulnerable sectors to avail themselves of the amelioration program of the government.

Under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which gives President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers amid the COVID-19 crisis, 18 million low-income families will receive subsidy for cash and food from P5,000 to P8,000 a month depending on the minimum wage of a particular region.