DBM: 22.9 million beneficiaries eyed to receive ECQ ‘ayuda’

MANILA, Philippines — Some 22.9 million beneficiaries in the “NCR Plus bubble – Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna – are expected to receive financial aid from the government due to the imposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Monday.

In a televised briefing, DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado said this figure accounts for 80 percent of low-income households in the five areas under ECQ from March 29 to April 4 due to the spike in new COVID-19 cases.

“Based on the latest populations statistics from NEDA [National Economic and Development Authority] there are estimated 22.9 million beneficiaries which correspond to the 80 percent low-income population in NCR, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna and these are the areas placed under ECQ,” Avisado said in an online Palace briefing.

Avisado said the DBM already submitted to the Office of the President its recommendations on the assistance to be provided to ECQ-affected individuals, but refused to divulge more information.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go earlier disclosed that P23 billion is available to fund another round of financial aid.

Go added that the DBM recommended that the assistance be given in kind.  ###

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