DILG: LGUs readying aid for constituents under ECQ

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units are already preparing their respective aid or assistance for their constituents affected by the imposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) over Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Monday.

DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the agency is encouraging all LGUs to give aid to their constituents.

“We are encouraging all LGUs na magbigay ng tulong or ayuda sa kanilang mga nasasakupan, sa kanilang constituents,” he said.

“In fact, may mga nakausap na akong mga mayor kahapon at hinahanda na ng mga LGUs, especially sa NCR Plus bubble area, ‘yung kanilang mga ayuda,” he added.

He said some will give rice, food packs, relief goods, or even cash.

This is on top of the assistance the national government will give to individuals. He said the Department of Budget and Management and other agencies are already coordinating on how to distribute the aid to the public.

In a separate interview, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said financial aid to be distributed to those affected by ECQ in the “NCR Plus” bubble may be less than P2,000.

He said local government officials prefer giving in-kind assistance over cash.

The government has assured that aid will be given to those unable to work in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna which are under ECQ starting this Monday until Sunday, April 4.

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