By Jennifer P. Rendon
A total of 103 local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas have already received funds under the Special Amelioration Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
On April 15, 2020, DSWD-Region 6 said that it has released corresponding funds to 23 more LGUs.
The funds will be given economically vulnerable sectors as the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic.
These LGUs are San Miguel, Sara, Dingle, Lambunao, Leon, Batad, Concepcion, Sta. Barbara, San Dionisio, Leganes, and Lemery in Iloilo province.
Pavia is the only LGU that has yet to get its SAP fund.
But reports indicated that it already submitted the requirements, including a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the downloading of fund, before the DSWD-6.
Three towns in Aklan – Tangalan, Buruanga, and Makato – are the first to receive the grant in the province.
The additional LGUs in Antique are Balete, San Remegio, Bugasong, Sibalom, Pandan, and Caluya.
Capiz province has only Tapaz town while Negros Occidental has Talisay City and Guimaras with Buenavista town.
Again, DSWD-6 noted that under the agency’s memorandum, the LGUs should conduct the distribution or the pay-out within five calendar days. It could be extended to seven days to areas to geography isolated or disadvantaged areas.
On the other hand, the DSWD-6 assured the immediate release of funds to LGUs once they could submit their MOA and proposal.