Some 3 million to 4 million families are expected to benefit from the second tranche of the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said.

“Ang important kasi sa second tranche, ‘yung mga na-left out na almost 3 (million) to 4 million families. Obligasyon natin na maibigay ito sa mga hindi nakatanggap, kasama (sa) second tranche. (It is important that the almost 3 [million] to 4 million families who were left out are included in the second tranche. It is our obligation to give this to those who were not able to receive anything. They should be included in the second tranche),” Año said during a radio interview on Thursday.

Adjustments would be made to expedite the release of the second wave of assistance, especially in eliminating repetitive processes, he said.

Año noted that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) would meet to discuss the second tranche of the SAP.

“We appeal to the public to understand that the priority for the second tranche of SAP is those who are really in need in areas under the enhanced community quarantine and general community quarantine,” he said.

As of this posting, the SAP distribution rate among local government units has been placed at 73 percent.

Earlier this week, the DILG gave LGUs until April 30 to complete the distribution of the first tranche of the SAP.

However, local officials in Metro Manila and the provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, and Cavite, as well as the cities of Cebu and Davao, were given a seven-day extension to complete the cash aid distribution.

Meanwhile, Año said the DILG is inspired to serve the public better amid the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

Results of a recent poll conducted by the consultancy firm, EON Group, and research firm, Tangere, showed the DILG received an 82.19 percent trust mark from 5,425 survey respondents using the Tangere app across the country.

The report said people’s trust in the government and its institutions, especially during the health crisis, are influenced by the government’s action and engagement with the people.

Año said positive public feedback on the DILG’s actions and efforts is a significant push for the department’s officials and employees, whether working in the field or from home, to work double-time amid the health crisis.

“It feels good to know that despite the sacrifices and hardships being experienced by the people, they still have a high trust for the DILG. We are further encouraged to work and coordinate with local government(s) and attached agencies, especially the Philippine National Police, to serve them better,” he said in a statement.

Año said the DILG, together with all of its attached agencies, is doing its duties in ensuring that Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act is implemented.

“For the country to heal as one, the national government and all LGUs must fully cooperate towards a unified and orderly implementation of the Bayanihan law. When we say Bayanihan, let us set aside politicking and unnecessary criticism. Let us boost camaraderie,” he added. (PNA)