Malacañang announced Tuesday that local government units have been given more days to complete the distribution of financial aid to households affected by stricter quarantine measures.
“Inextend ang deadline na makumpleto ang pamamahagi ng financial assistance hanggang a-15 ng Mayo 2021,” said Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in a virtual briefing.
According to Roque, some of the reasons for the extension of the deadline include restriction on crowds gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic amid the need to preserve everyone’s health and safety; adjustments being made to make the distribution efforts more flexible, whether through automated or door-to-door means; and appeals from local governments.
Roque previously apologized for delays in the provision of financial assistance, noting only ₱4 billion has been distributed out of the total ₱23 billion.
Mayors in the Greater Manila Area were previously given 15 days to finish the distribution of cash assistance to residents affected by the region’s shift to the stricter enhanced community quarantine from Mar. 29 to Apr. 11 in an attempt to curb the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases.
The Greater Manila Area is currently under modified ECQ until the end of April.
