Third ECQ during the pandemic, 2nd in 2021
The Delta variant, a more infectious and fatal strain of the virus that was initially detected in India, was first reported in the Philippines back in May 2021. Eventually, the country reported its first case of local transmission on July 16. However, with its rapid spread, the national government ordered a hard lockdown within the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA), also known as NCR+, to limit the spread of the strain. This third period of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is the second this year, with the previous one done in hopes of mitigating the UK variant.
This lockdown poses a recurring threat to the private industries as the pandemic continues to rage on. Many workers of non-essential businesses were once again left jobless and with no stream of income. With costs of living remaining high—especially now with some needing to pay hospital bills—many middle and low-income workers have to simply wait for the next cash grant from the government. Although the President has stated that there will be another aid or “ayuda” program, it has been proven to be insufficient.
Ayuda cash grant
This time around, the ayuda will be given by the LGUs instead of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), but there might not be enough money to be given out. According to the 2021 National Budget, there was no special allocation for cash grants to be used in emergencies like these. This was because the government had hoped that things would start returning to normal this year as they ramped up vaccination efforts.
The ayuda program will be prioritizing those who received grants in 2020, however, the money to be given will be a lot less than the one in the previous year. The current allocation would only amount to 1,000 pesos per qualified individual.
Current context of GMMA population during the ECQ
Despite the hard lockdown, Manila Bulletin has found that cases could still rise. Their research has shown that there was a rise in people from NCR fleeing to outside provinces after the ECQ announcement was made. There were also other reports of people flocking to vaccination sites at midnight before the restrictions were implemented.
In addition to that, despite stringent measures having been imposed to limit the movement of individuals, there are still many who are unwilling to comply with quarantine guidelines.
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