The city government of Manila has begun distributing cash assistance to families most affected by the reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said late Tuesday that as the cash aid was provided by the national government, there are guidelines that need to be followed.

Domagoso said the city treasurer’s office received a total of PHP1,523,700,000 on Monday evening and distribution followed the next day.

“Ang data na hawak natin is 380,000 families already. Mayroon tayong bibigyan na PHP4,000 each family at ang ibibigay ko cash (The data we have shows about 380,000 families already. Some families will receive PHP4,000 each and I will give it in cash),” he said.

Domagoso explained that the local government units were given the option to distribute the aid in cash or in kind.

He, however, said he decided to give it in cash because the city is already giving a monthly food pack to their constituents.

This way, the families will have the option to use the money for their other needs, such as medicines, vitamins, diapers for the babies, and other necessities.

Domagoso said that according to the Joint Memorandum Circular provided by the departments of the interior, social welfare, and defense, listed beneficiaries are those included in the list of the Social Amelioration Programs (SAP) 1 and 2, waitlisted SAP beneficiaries, and persons with disabilities, and solo parents, in case funds are still available.

For transparency, the city government already published the list of the ECQ cash aid beneficiaries on the Manila Public Information Office Facebook page, as well as the FB page of Domagoso.

On Tuesday, the master list of beneficiaries in barangays 56, 101, 124, 128, 20, and 105 has already been posted on the mayor’s Facebook page.

The total number of beneficiaries for these barangays alone is 28,504.

Domagoso encouraged Manilenyos to check if their names are on the list before heading to the distribution sites.

After the distribution, he said another list would be published containing the names of those who have already received the cash aid.

Meanwhile, Domagoso reminded cash aid beneficiaries to spend the assistance they would receive wisely.

“Sinupin at maging mainam sa paggastos (Be wise and prudent in spending the money),” he said. (PNA)