Año says Duterte approves P30b for grant to cities, municipalities vs COVID-19

April 7, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday said the Office of the President has approved the release of P30.824-billion “Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities” to boost their capacities to respond to the needs of their constituents amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

Año said the one-time grant to cities and municipalities is equivalent to one month of their Internal Revenue Allotment which they can use for their COVID-19 response and relief efforts.

“The national government understands the challenges the local government units (LGUs) is facing in addressing their constituents in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis. Through Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities, they will have the capacity to buy the necessary things their affected resident needs,” he said.

He thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for his speedy approval of the request of Local Government Units and acknowledged the help of Senator Bong Go who first proposed this measure in behalf of all LGUs who are in the frontlines of the war against COVID-19.

The Bayanihan Grant will be sourced from discontinued projects of the some government agencies under Republic Act 11465 or FY 2020 General Appropriations Act.

In a Memorandum to Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Wendel Avisado, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has informed DBM of Duterte's approval of the Bayanihan grant and ordered the immediate release of the funds to cities and municipalities.

He said the funds should be used for programs, projects and activities on COVID-19 such as relief goods for low-income and vulnerable households; procurement of personal protective equipment for frontline service providers, medicines and vitamins, hospital equipment and supplies; disinfectants and related equipment; and tents for temporary shelter of the homeless, among others.

Año also urged cities and municipalities to ensure that the Bayanihan Grant are used properly for their constituents.

He also reiterated his call to shun politics in this time of crisis and ensure that help is given even regardless of the political affiliations of barangays.

 He reminded them of the “No Epal” provision in the guidelines released by the government in the distribution of relief goods.

“During this Lenten season, we need to help and unite so that we can all rise on this crisis. This is not the time to show off and do politicking but a time to serve and unite,” Año said

Año urged the public to do their part in helping combat the COVID-19 crisis by obeying guidelines on the Enhanced Community Quarantine set by the government and cooperating with authorities.

He said in order for the country to rise above this crisis,  people should be  united to tread the path of cooperation, healing and recovery. Ella Dionisio/DMS