The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its partner agencies inked on Sunday the implementing guidelines for the distribution of cash aid to local government units (LGUs) under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Visayas and Mindanao.

Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2, as agreed among the DSWD, Department of National Defense, and Department of the Interior and Local Government, will assist Iloilo province and Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog cities in Misamis Oriental.

Each person will receive PHP1,000 cash with a maximum amount of PHP4,000 per family through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) of the DSWD.

The priority target beneficiaries of the special AICS are affected individuals and families who are suffering from economic disruption due to the localized ECQ declaration.

The target beneficiaries may include families who were previous recipients of the social amelioration program under Bayanihan 1 and additional beneficiaries of emergency subsidy under Bayanihan 2; individuals belonging to vulnerable groups, such as individuals living alone, senior citizens or persons with disabilities; and others who have been stranded by reason of employment in the province, city, or municipality under ECQ.

The beneficiaries, at the time of the declaration of the ECQ, must be physically residing, either temporarily or permanently, or are still in the ECQ areas.

“LGUs are encouraged to post on their official websites, social media accounts, and at conspicuous places in the concerned barangays the list of approved beneficiaries, prior to actual distribution,” the joint circular said.

LGUs should release the assistance in cash to the beneficiaries within 15 days from receipt of funds transferred by the DSWD. (PNA)