MANILA, Philippines —More than P48 billion have already been transferred to local government units (LGUs) for the cash assistance to families affected by the Luzon-wide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista on Monday said the agency has downloaded P80 billion to its field offices, P48 billion of which have been given to LGUs.
“Ang na-transfer nating pondo sa ating mga LGU ay umaabot ng more than 48 billion, more or less 59 percent of the P80 billion. So, tuloy-tuloy naman po ang pag-transfer natin ng funds and ang pay-out,” Bautista said in an interview on dzMM.
According to the DSWD chief, the distribution of the first tranche of the cash assistance is expected to be completed in the next two weeks.
“Ang tina-target po natin, after two weeks ay maibigay ‘yung first tranche ng social amelioration cash assistance,” he said.
“Bago ibigay ‘yung sa pangalawang buwan, magkakaron muna ng liquidiation, iba-validate yung beneficiary…bago po natin ibigay yung pangalawang buwan sa ating mga LGUs,” he added.
Bautista then assured families who have yet to receive their subsidy that the DSWD, local authorities, and other concerned agencies are continuously distributing cash assistance.
“Sa atin pong mga kababayan na hindi pa po nakakatanggap, ‘wag po kayong magalala, tuloy-tuloy ang payout na ginagawa ng ating local and social welfare officers,” he said.
The national government, under the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, earlier set aside P200 billion cash assistance to low-income households affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Under the law, some 18 million poor families will be given an emergency cash subsidy, ranging from P5,000 to P8,000 per month for two months.
To date, Philippine health authorities have confirmed 4,648 COVID-19 cases in the country.
Of the number, 297 patients have died while 197 have already recovered from the disease.