Manila allots P1.4 billion more to COVID-19 food aid

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Isko Moreno signed yesterday Ordinance 8739 authorizing the release of P1.4 billion as supplemental budget to cover the expenses of the Manila city government’s COVID-19 food security program (FSP).

As of Friday, the FSP food boxes for the month had reached all six districts of Manila.

“It is our dream that no Manileño will starve. We are now preparing for the month of April,” Moreno said.

Launched in February, the FSP aims to provide a food box – which contains three kilos of rice, 16 pieces of canned goods and eight sachets of coffee – every month to each of Manila’s around 700,000 families to address the economic devastation wrought by the ongoing pandemic.

Moreno said the additional funding indicated in Ordinance 8739 ensures that the FSP food box deliveries will continue in May, June and July.

“We were able to find the funds. It may not be the solution in general, but our objective is to lessen (the families’) monthly expenses,” he said.

Moreno noted that he and the city council decided to postpone some road projects so that the funds could be allotted for the FSP.

He said while Manila’s roads will continue to be maintained, there will likely be no major roadwork done this year.

Moreno previously said the city’s 2021 budget had to be realigned to finance the FSP.

Manila is currently implementing granular lockdowns lasting for four days in barangays with 10 or more COVID-19 cases.

Moreno’s standing order is for the barangays under lockdown or are scheduled to be locked down be prioritized in the delivery of FSP food boxes.

He appealed anew for the public to strictly follow the prescribed health protocols and to practice self-discipline.