ALL local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, also known as “NCR Plus,” were directed to determine the most effective way of releasing the financial assistance or “ayuda” to their constituents.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier approved the release of P22.9 billion to 22.9 million individuals affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) being imposed in NCR Plus area.
The ECQ has been implemented since March 29 and will run until April 4.
In Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 1, Series of 2021 dated March 31, 2021, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said LGUs must determine whether the assistance will be best given in cash or in kind.
This should be done within 30 days, said the agencies.
“The LGUs have the discretion to determine if the assistance will be given in cash or in kind provided that the assistance gets to their constituents soonest,” said DILG spokesperson and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya.
“As soon as the Saro (Special Allotment Release Order) and NCA (Notice of Cash Allocation) is received by the LGUs, the mayors will need to issue an executive order (EO) detailing therein the type, manner and process of distribution. After the issuance of the EO, they can start the distribution,” he added.
Priority target beneficiaries
Under the JMC, the priority target beneficiaries of the financial assistance of P1,000 per individual, with a maximum of P4,000 per family, are the following:
* Low-income individuals
* Those working in informal economies who were beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) first tranche
* Additional beneficiaries in SAP 2
* SAP wait-listed beneficiaries
* Members of vulnerable groups: low-income individuals living alone, persons with disabilities (PWD), solo parents
The DILG and DSWD said other individuals affected by the ECQ but not on the priority list may also get the assistance provided that the funds are still available.
Other guidelines
Also under the JMC are the following guidelines:
* DSWD to provide LGUs the complete list of previous SAP beneficiaries.
* City/municipal mayors and punong barangays to post first the approved names and barangay/district of the target beneficiaries before actual distribution of the aid.
* List should be posted on LGUs’ official website, social media accounts, and conspicuous places in the community.
* EO must be issued detailing therein the type, manner or process of distribution before the actual distribution of assistance
* Grievance and Appeals Committee per LGU must be created. This is where the residents can submit complaints.
Monitoring team
Malaya said to ensure that the funds will get to the intended beneficiaries, they will create a Joint Monitoring and Inspection Team (JMIT) in each LGU.
The JMIT will be headed by the DILG City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officer, representatives from DSWD, Philippine National Police, City or Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, and civil society organizations.
The inspection team is tasked to address complaints or grievances from residents concerning the aid, monitor the LGU’s compliance with the guidelines, seek the assistance of higher authorities in case of undue delay or systemic anomalies in the distribution, and cause the filing of administrative or criminal cases against public officials or individuals involved in irregular or unlawful practices.
The PNP is also tasked to probe the anomalies or irregularities reported to the JMIT.
Police personnel will also be mobilized to provide security to LGUs during the distribution of the financial assistance.
“We will make sure that the funds downloaded to the LGUs are used for purposes they were intended for,” said Malaya. (LMY/PR)