DBM has fully released ₧30.824-B fund to LGUS
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it has already released in full about P30.824 billion to local government units (LGUS) to help them better respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
According to the Local Budget Circular 125 released by DBM and dated April 7, the total share of municipalities from the so-called Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities amounts to P18.39 billion while cities should receive funds totaling P12.44 billion.
The release of the funds was confirmed to the Businessmirror by Budget Secretary Wendel B. Avisado in a text message.
Avisado explained that the grant was released through Special Allotment Release Orders and Notices of Cash Allocation on April 8. This is equivalent to the onemonth Fiscal Year 2020 Internal Revenue Allotment share of cities and municipalities.
To fund this grant, President Duterte approved the discontinuance of P30.824-billion worth of infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Exclusive use
THE DBM said the grant should be exclusively used by cities and municipalities for specific Covid-19 related programs, projects and activities as well as related expenses.
These include the following: procurement of personal protective equipment; Covid-19 equipment, reagents and kits; medicines and vitamins; hospital equipment and supplies; and, disinfectants, sprayers, disinfection tents and disinfecting supplies and misting equipment.
The grant can also be used for the following: to cover food transportation, accommodation expenses of medical personnel and other local government unit personnel directly involved in the implementation of
Covid-19 related activities and expenses; food assistance and the relief goods for affected households; and, expenses for the construction, repair, lease and rental of space or building to accommodate Covid-19 patients and persons under monitoring or investigation.
Also covered are the following: expenses for the operation of standalone or mobile testing laboratory; purchase or rental of tents or spaces for temporary shelters of the homeless; and, training of personnel in the conduct of Covid-19 testing and other related training.
However, the DBM said the grant shall not be used for the following: any form of financial/ cash assistance; personnel services expenditures, such as salaries, wages, overtime, pay and other personnel benefits; administrative expenses; travelling expenses; registration or participation fees in trainings, seminars; purchase of administrative office, furniture, fixtures, equipment or appliances; purchase, maintenance or repair of motor vehicles; and, other programs, projects or activities not related to addressing Covid-19. Biggest share
THE city with the biggest share from the grant is Quezon City, with P479.12 million, followed by Davao (P462.05 million), Manila (P292.60 million), Caloocan (P265.36 million) and Zamboanga (P263.82 million).
On the other hand, the municipality with the biggest share is Rodriguez, Rizal, with P62.43 million followed by Cainta, Rizal (P52.96 million), Taytay, Rizal (P52.68 million), Silang, Cavite (P44.4 million), and Santa Maria, Bulacan (P43.86 million).
Cities and municipalities can use the funds for the duration of the State of Calamity declared by the President last March.
Funds that remain unutilized after the lifting of the State of Calamity shall be reverted to the National Treasury by the recipient cities and municipalities, the DBM explained.