ILOILO – In just nine days, the local government unit (LGU) of Miag-ao completed the distribution to 17,310 families of the cash assistance under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Special Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
Mayor Macario Napulan confirmed to Panay News the distribution of P1,000 per individual – or maximum of P4,000 per family – wrapped up on Aug. 14.
The DSWD Field Office 6 downloaded P69,240,000 to the LGU on July 29.
In fact, Napulan said, Miag-ao even returned more or less P12 million in surplus funds to the DSWD after all beneficiaries were given the special assistance.
SYSTEM OF DISTRIBUTION
Miagao has 119 barangays – 22 coastal and 97 landlocked. It has more barangays than any other municipality in the country.
To speed up the distribution of the Special AICS, the LGU has developed a strategy with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Rosalinda Mueda.
They have involved barangay officials and barangay treasurers in the distribution of cash assistance especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
“So, more than 50 percent especially sa malayo nga barangay ukon sa GIDA. Kay gagmay man ang mga barangay more or less accessible ang tawo, gin-door-to-door sang barangay officials and treasurers,” Napulan told Panay News.
In the case of the big barangays or those located in Poblacion or coastal areas, Macario said the Philippine National Police, LGU and MSWDO personnel were tasked to distribute the aid.
The LGU and MSWDO created three teams that have been designated to distribute in Poblacion and barangays near it.
Napulan said a team can finish distributing to five to seven barangays per day.
In the distribution of the special aid, Napulan noted that social distancing and other minimum public health standards were complied with.
There were also police officers who accompanied the team every day to ensure compliance with the health protocols./PN
