A total of 380,280 families in Manila are expected to benefit from the financial aid which will be provided by the national government to those who will be affected by the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region.

In Manila, the city government thanked the national government as the distribution of cash aid to residents and families started on Wednesday.

The distribution will be carried out by the city government through the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MSDW) with the help of village officials in barangay halls and schools.

MDSW director Ma. Asuncion Fugoso, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency, said they are ready for the distribution of the cash aid as they are now doing this for the third time.

“Tulad din po ng ginawa namin dati (Like what we have done before), face-to-face ang distribution but we will ensure the strict implementation of the required physical distancing. Beneficiaries should also wear their face masks and face shields. We will also do the distribution per barangay in alphabetical order,” Fugoso explained.

To ensure that minimum health and safety protocols will be followed especially now that the city is under ECQ, Fugoso said they have coordinated with the Manila Police District (MPD) as well as the Manila Barangay Bureau (MBB).

Fugoso also reminded beneficiaries to bring with them their barangay certificate and a valid ID to claim their cash aid.

Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso asked for the cooperation of their constituents especially now that Covid-19 cases in the country are increasing due to the highly transmissible Delta variant.

“Maraming salamat kay Pangulong Duterte, sa DSWD, sa DILG, at sa Department of National Defense. Tuloy po ang delivery ng ayuda sa bawat pamilyang Manilenyo tulad ng labing-anim nating siyudad sa Metro Manila. Walang maiinip, walang mag-uunahan. disiplina lang mga kababayan (Thanks to President Duterte, to the DSWD, DILG, and the DND. The delivery of cash aid will push through in Manila just like in all the 16 cities in Metro Manila. Be patient, do not be in a hurry, and I ask you to have discipline),” Domagoso said.

Metro Manila has been placed under ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20 to stop the further transmission of Covid-19.

Each qualified resident in NCR may receive cash assistance worth PHP1,000 or a maximum of PHP4,000 per household. (PNA)