ILOILO – Local government units (LGUs) were originally expected to distribute completely the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash assistance by April 30.
However, according to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Iloilo provincial director Teodora Sumagaysay, some local chief executives wrote to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año while others to Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista requesting for an extension, mostly due to the challenges in the validation process.
Sumagaysay said on May 1 they were informed by the DILG regional office that the distribution had been extended until May 7 for LGUs in the National Capital Region, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Cavite, Cebu City and Davao City.
LGUs outside these areas were given a four-day extension.
The information was already relayed to concerned LGUs in the province, according to Sumagaysay.
As of May 2, all qualified families affected by the ongoing enhanced community quarantine in 22 LGUs in this province already received their cash assistance of P6,000 each.
Iloilo province has 43 LGUs – 42 municipalities and the component city of Passi.
As this was being written, distribution was ongoing in the LGUs of Calinog, Carles, Concepcion, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Estancia, Janiuay, Lambunao, Lemery, Leon, Miag-ao, Oton, Pavia, Pototan, San Rafael, Sta. Barbara, Tigbauan, Tubungan, Zarraga, and Passi City.
Sumagaysay urged the remaining LGUs to fast track the distribution of the financial assistance to beneficiaries who need the cash aid during these challenging times brought about by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and “they could also start their liquidation and preparation for the second tranche.”
A total of P1,863,738,000 SAP fund was downloaded to the 43 LGUs for the government’s cash assistance to 310,623 qualified family beneficiaries under “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.” (PIA-6/PN)
