CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) –  The Local Government Units (LGUs) have 15 days to distribute the financial assistance to families affected by Typhoon Odette, according to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Binibigyan po natin ang LGUs ng 15 days mula sa pagsisimula ng pamimigay para maipamahagi sa lahat ng taong nasa listahan ang ating tulong pinansiyal,” DILG Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in Malacañang Press Briefing on Wednesday, Dec. 30.

Malaya added that if LGUs cannot finish the distribution on time, they can ask for an extension.

The DILG urged LGUs to distribute the cash aid as soon as possible.

“Ang panawagan po ng ating pamahalaan, ipamigay ang tulong na ito ng pinakamabilis para magamit kaagad ng ating mga kababayan,” Malaya said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall provide technical assistance to LGUs while the DILG will monitor and supervise the distribution.

The DILG cited that this financial assistance will be directly released to LGUs.

“Ang mga target beneficiaries po nitong programang ito ay mga mahihirap na pamilya o iyong tinatawag po nating low-income families na lubhang naapektuhan ng ating bagyo na nakatira sa mga lugar na nakasaad sa ilalabas na Local Budget Circular ng Department of Budget and Management,” Malaya stated.

Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday released the P4.85 billion cash aid funds for affected individuals and families in Odette-hit areas.

Under Local Budget Circular No. 141, affected individuals will receive P1,000 with a maximum amount of P5,000 per family.

The DBM stated that the LGUs shall determine the most efficient and effective way of release of assistance.

The budget department added that “the fund shall not be used for any other unauthorized programs, projects, activities, and expense”. (JMB/PIA-IDPD)