The Iloilo City Government is readying Php 291 million for the purchase of essential goods as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) continues to threaten the locality. Canned goods, rice, and other necessities will be purchased by the local government.
“What is important is that we are ready with a standby appropriation,” states Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas in a press conference after meeting with the local finance committee, from an article published by the Philippine News Agency. The fund will be sourced from the surplus fund. It can be recalled that the city government has generated a surplus of Php 400 million as a result of good financial management last 2019.
Moreover, part of the fund will be allocated as assistance to the barangays, which are helping relief good and the 240 community kitchens. In addition, Treñas called on barangays to utilize their calamity fund and to get in touch with the Iloilo City Hall for questions and concerns.
“Compared with other LGUs (local government units), the city is ahead in terms of preparations. That is why very early on, we have provided assistance and early on, we have 240 community kitchens,” adds Treñas
To date, Iloilo City has an estimated 120,000 households and 40 percent of it belongs to the upper and middle class. The other 70,000 households is being assisted by the local government.
