MANILA, (PIA) -- The Department of Budget Management (DBM) on Friday said it has released P10.894 billion to 17 Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) for "ayuda" or cash aid to individuals and households affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The amount, the DBM said, would cover the financial assistance of 10.9 million beneficiaries in the National Capital Region (NCR) amid the reimposition of ECQ in the area from August 6 to 20.

The Budget Department said the cash aid will be released directly by the Bureau of Treasury to the concerned local government units (LGUs) through their respective authorized government servicing banks.

“Upon receipt of the funds, the LGUs shall facilitate and determine the most efficient and effective way for the provision of financial assistance to their constituents,” it said.

The DBM said affected low-income individuals and families are expected to receive P1,000 per person and a maximum of P4,000 per household, to ensure that food and other non-food requirements are met despite the strict quarantine.

It added that the cash aid shall benefit 10.9 million individuals or the bottom 80% of the population in Metro Manila, based on the population projection and available data of the Philippine Statistics Authority. (PIA-NCR)