ILOILO City – Almost 30 percent of the target families in this city and province of Iloilo affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) have so far received cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
As of Aug. 9, 242,939 families already got hold of their assistance under DSWD’s Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program amounting to P779,166,800. This is 28.93 percent of the 665,561 target families in Iloilo city and province, data from DSWD Region 6 showed.
Each person received P1,000 cash with a maximum amount of P4,000 per family.
Distribution is ongoing.
A total of P2,662,244,000 was downloaded by DSWD to 43 local government units (LGUs) in the province and this city.
LGUs were earlier directed to post on their official websites, social media accounts and in conspicuous places the list of approved beneficiaries prior to actual distribution.
LGUs are also expected to 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.
The city government headed by Mayor Jerry Treñas, however, requested for time extension.
Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre of DSWD-6 said the matter was already elevated to their central office.
“We are also considering current health protocols . At the end of the day, we want everyone to have food on their tables and survive the pandemic,” said Macapobre.
There were 115,436 target families in Iloilo City.
The DSWD regional office also requested for 100,000 additional family food packs from its central office./PN
