'Ayuda' In-Kind Worth P23 Billion to Be Given Out in ECQ Areas

The government earmarked P23 billion for ayuda or in-kind assistance to Filipinos indigent families affected by the ECQ or lockdown in the Greater Manila Area, Budget Sec. Wendel Avisado said.

The assistance will amount to P1,000 per person and not more than P4,000 per family, Avisado said. The funds will come from sources indentified by the Bureau of Treasury under the Bayanihan 2 pandemic response law, he said.

Local government units will receive the aid on behalf of their constitutents "to ensure that food and other non-food requirements are adequately provided," Avisado said.

President Rodrigo Duterte said he would sign papers to fund the ayuda Monday night for distribution as soon as possible. Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan are under ECQ, the strictest quarantine, until April 4.

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"Wala po tayong cash dito po, we will leave it to the LGUs kasi sila first line na pinupuntahan ng tao," he said.

During the 2020 lockdown, some of the aid were given out in cash.

"Ang mga pondo po, once you approve it, will be released to the LGUs, for distribution to affected individuals in-kind to ensure that food and other non-food requirements are adequately met... So wala po tayong cash dito," Avisado told President Rodrigo Duterte in a meeting.