ILOILO CITY, May 3 (PIA6) - - All qualified families affected by the ongoing enhanced community quarantine in 22 local government units in Iloilo province have already received their Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash assistance of P6,000 from the government on May 2.

Data obtained from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Iloilo, as of 1 PM of May 2, showed that 22 of 43 LGUs in Iloilo province, composed of 42 municipalities and component city of Passi, have completed the distribution of the SAP cash assistance in their respective areas.

Distribution is ongoing in the LGUs of Calinog, Carles, Concepcion, Dingle, Duenas, Dumangas, Estancia, Janiuay, Lambunao, Lemery, Leon, Miag-ao, Oton, Pavia, Pototan, San Rafael, Sta. Barbara, Tigbauan, Tubungan, Zarraga and Passi City. LGUs were originally expected to distribute completely the financial assistance by April 30.

DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay said some local chief executives wrote to DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano while others to DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista requesting for an extension in the distribution of SAP, mostly due to some challenges in the validation process.

Sumagaysay said on May 1 that they were informed by their Regional Office that the distribution has been extended until May 7 for LGUs in the National Capital Region, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Cavite, Cebu City and Davao City. LGUs outside these areas were given four-day extension.

The information was already relayed to concerned LGUs in the province, according to Sumagaysay.

She urged the remaining 21 LGUs to fast track the distribution of the financial assistance to beneficiaries who need the cash aid during these challenging times brought about by corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and "they could also start their liquidation and preparation for the second tranche."

A total of P1,863,738,000.00 SAP fund was downloaded to the 43 LGUs for the government's cash assistance to 310,623 qualified family beneficiaries under "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act." (JSC/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)