P55M ‘ayuda’ being readied for ECQ areas in Ilocos Norte

A strict border control is being enforced in the province of Ilocos Norte to contain the spread of COVID-19. (Photo courtesy of the Ilocos Norte provincial government)

LAOAG CITY — Residents of Ilocos Norte who have been hit hard by lockdowns would receive at least P3,000 in cash aid from the government, the provincial government said on Tuesday (Aug. 24).

Since Aug. 16, at least 21 of the 23 towns and cities in Ilocos Norte reverted to localized enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the most restrictive containment classification in the country, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Lilian Rin, provincial social welfare and development officer, said the social welfare offices in the 21 areas were already determining and validating a pool of residents who are qualified to receive the cash assistance.

Rin said indigent individuals, particularly those who have been infected with COVID-19, would be prioritized to receive the financial aid.

The P55-million cash aid was secured by the provincial government from the Department of Social Welfare and Development under its “Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS)” program, according to Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc.

Among those who are qualified to receive the cash aid were those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, those who are unable to support themselves, and those with pending medical bills after being hospitalized due to the virus, the governor said.

Manotoc said the cash aid is targeted to be distributed before lifting the ECQ on Aug. 31.

Under ECQ, most businesses in the affected areas are not allowed to operate and those permitted can only do so on a limited capacity.