665k families in Iloilo City, province to receive cash aid from DSWD

More than 600,000 families in Iloilo City and Iloilo province affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) are set to receive cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 6 (DSWD-6).

DSWD-6 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said in a statement on Monday that they will immediately facilitate the releasing of cash assistance to ECQ-affected individuals and families in Iloilo City and Province.

“Understanding the urgent need for assistance in Iloilo City and Province which are now on ECQ, we will be immediately facilitating the releasing of cash aid to LGUs so that they can distribute simultaneously,” he said.

According to Macapobre, 665,561 families will benefit the P2.6-billion stimulus package for Iloilo City and Iloilo City province.

The cash assistance is P1,000 per individual or a maximum of four persons or P4,000 worth of cash aid per family.

In Iloilo City, Mayor Jerry Treñas said that a total of 115,436 families will benefit from the cash assistance.

“As per DSWD, we will have assistance for 115,436 families. We will cover all those covered in SAP 1 and SAP 2, barangay officials, 4Ps families, solo parents, and everyone affected by the ECQ. We hope to finalize the MOA with DSWD soon so that we can immediately implement the financial assistance as soon as it is downloaded to us,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

The aid falls under DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Based on the guidelines of the DSWD, the priority target beneficiaries of the special AICS are affected individuals and families who are suffering from the economic disruption brought about by the declaration of a localized ECQ in their area.

The target beneficiaries may include families who were previous recipients of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) 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 Disability (PWD); and others who have been stranded by reason of employment in the province, city, or municipality under ECQ.

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

LGUs are also expected 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. They must release the assistance in cash to the beneficiaries and conduct the distribution of financial assistance within 15 days from receipt of funds transferred by the DSWD.

A Grievance and Appeals Committee will also be created per LGU to receive and address complaints or grievances. (ERS)