THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday said it will ask the Department Interior and Local Government to extend the 15-day period given to local government units (LGUs) to distribute cash aid to constituents.
MMDA Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said the LGU officials have to comply with minimum health protocols, like observing social distancing and preventing crowding, which will delay the distribution.
He said the aid has to be distributed house to house, which will take longer than having the recipients line up in one place, which could lead to crowding.
The DILG has given the LGUs in Metro Manila (National Capital Region) and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, collectively known as “NCR Plus,” 15 days to complete the distribution of the cash aid for poor families.
The NCR Plus was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for two weeks ending last Sunday. Restrictions have been eased as the Palace announced on Sunday that these will be under modified ECQ until the end of the month.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said President Duterte is asking for the “best effort” of LGUs in the distribution of the cash aid and hopes the targeted beneficiaries will receive the aid due them.
The cash aid is for P1,000 per individual or a maximum of P4,000 per family.
