9 local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila which have complied with the necessary requirements for the implementation of Social Amelioration Program (SAP) have receive their respective funding that will be used as emergency subsidies to poor households affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Wednesday said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had already facilitated the issuance of checks for the month of April to the nine Metro Manila LGUs that have already completed their requirements.

“Government will endeavor to help everyone, and those of our countrymen who need the most assistance will get the most help. A major component of government efforts to help our underprivileged families is its Social Amelioration Program,” he said in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4.

Nograles said the local governments of Quezon City, Manila and Caloocan received PHP3.02 billion, PHP1.48 billion, and PHP1.72 billion, respectively.

On the other hand, LGUs of Pasig, Taguig and Parañaque got PHP750.93 million, PHP739.97 million, and PHP621.39 million, respectively.

He added that Marikina, Muntinlupa and Mandaluyong local governments also received PHP449.88 million, PHP430.68 million, and PHP368.37 million, respectively.

Nograles said Parañaque already distributed the emergency subsidies to target families on April 3, while Manila began the release of cash aid on April 6.

He also noted that as of April 6, around 16 Metro Manila LGUs have complied with the requirements for the distribution of emergency relief to low-income households within their respective areas.

The 16 Metro Manila LGUs are likewise ready to implement the SAP before the Holy Week break, Nograles said.

Nograles said only one local government in Metro Manila committed to comply with the requirements by April 7.

“Per the DSWD, all Metro Manila LGUs have committed to submit the list of families not included in the initial list of beneficiaries at the soonest possible time,” he said.

Nograles said the DSWD had already formed 17 SAP monitoring teams that are tasked to supervise the full implementation of the first tranche of SAP.

He added that the DSWD had also requested state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines to open on Saturdays to facilitate SAP implementation for the 17 Metro Manila LGUs even on weekends.

In line with the national government’s implementation of SAP, around 18 million poor families are expected to receive emergency subsidies for the month of April and May. (PNA)