By CESAR JOLITO III

The Moises Padilla municipal government has started distributing P20 million in presidential financial assistance to families affected by Typhoon “Tino,” with payouts commencing on Monday, February 16, at the municipal auditorium.

Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo led the first day of distribution, during which nearly P1.5 million was released to 894 families from Barangays 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7.

Each beneficiary household received P1,600.

The distribution is scheduled to continue throughout the week to cover residents of Barangays Macagahay, Montilla and Quintin Remo who were also impacted by the typhoon.

Moises Padilla Mayor Garcia-Yulo clarified that the local government prioritized the initial P10 million tranche coursed through the provincial government due to a 90-day utilization deadline from the time the funds were received, as well as manpower considerations in managing the payout.

The remaining P10 million — sourced directly from the Office of the President — will be distributed to barangays not covered in the first phase.

Addressing delays in the direct release of funds from Malacañang Palace, the mayor said documentation had to be resubmitted following a change in the signatory of the deed of donation.

The mayor also emphasized that the presidential assistance is separate from the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The local government is solely administering the presidential aid, while the DSWD implements its ECT program under a different schedule.

Local officials assured residents that the remaining beneficiaries will receive their assistance as distribution continues in the coming days./CJ, WDJ