Palace assures support to areas under ECQ until end-July

MORE JAB SUPPLY SOON The national government has included Iloilo City among areas that will receive a bigger share of COVID-19 vaccines. The city, which is the regional capital of Western Visayas, has been fast-tracking the inoculation of its priority sectors, including policemen, as vaccine supply becomes available. —PHOTO COURTESY OF ILOILO CITY MAYOR’S OFFICE

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday assured that the government will give aid to areas placed under the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until the end of the month.

Iloilo province, including its capital Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro, and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental placed under ECQ until July 31.

“The national government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), shall provide augmentation support to Local Government Units adversely affected by the latest imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ),” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

“At present,  the DSWD Field Office 6 is coordinating with the LGUs to determine how many families within the ECQ areas are affected and are eligible to receive aid from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS),” he added.

The AICS program under the DSWD provides assistance to the poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged individuals.

Roque said the DSWD is also coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines on logistical assets to immediately distribute family food packs to LGUs under ECQ. This augmentation support is on top of the stockpiles to be provided by the LGUs affected.

“We call on everyone to cooperate and strictly adhere to the minimum public health standards, such as wearing of face masks/shields, handwashing, and social distancing,” Roque said.

“Also, we encourage everyone to get vaccinated, once supply and schedule date become available. Together, we shall overcome and prevail,” he added.

EDV