DBM pours P1.7-B Bayanihan funds into Bicol region

LIGAO CITY, Albay, Philippines — Following the extension of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until the end of the month to further curb the spread of the coronavirus, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has rolled out P1.7 billion in funds to various towns and cities across Bicol under the Bayanihan Heal as One Act.

DBM issued on Tuesday Local Budget Circular No. 125 on the release and utilization of the Bayanihan grant to cities and municipalities in the entire country.

A copy of the circular indicated that Camarines Sur province, with its 35 towns, would receive the highest allotment of P441.2 million. Masbate (20 towns) will get P245 million; Albay (15 towns), P211.8 million; Sorsogon (14 towns), P167.5 million; Camarines Norte (12 towns), P162.3 million; and Catandaunes (11 towns) receives P96.9 million.

Bicol’s seven cities will receive a total of P397.7 million with Sorsogon getting the biggest slice (P68.6 million), followed by Legazpi (63.2 million).