Duterte to DBM: Source funds to aid ECQ-affected Metro Manila

(FILE) A resident of Baseco, Tondo, in Manila City on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, shows the financial assistance she received from the government during the (ECQ) enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other nearby provinces from April 5-11, due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region. Philippine Daily Inquirer file photo / Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines —President Rodrigo Duterte has tasked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to source funds to aid Metro Manila residents who will be affected by the enforcement of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20, Malacañang said Friday.

“PRRD [President Rodrigo Roa Duterte] directed DBM to source funds,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said when asked if Metro Manila residents will be given aid during the ECQ.

The President has approved the proposal to place Metro Manila under ECQ from August 6 to 20, 2021 to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

From July 30 to August 5, Metro Manila remains under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions, but indoor and al fresco dining will be prohibited.

Meanwhile, Roque earlier announced that cash aid worth P1,000 with a limit of P4,000 per family will be given to around 1 million beneficiaries in Iloilo province, including Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental. These areas are under ECQ until August 7.

The same amount was given to persons in the so-called NCR Plus comprising Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, and Rizal when it returned to ECQ in March.

/MUF