Manila releases P1.76-B aid

Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso announced on Monday, March 16, the early release of P1.76 billion in financial assistance, incentives, and barangay shares, a package that will directly benefit around 330,000 Manileños—or roughly 15 percent of the city’s population—as part of efforts to cushion residents from the impact of rising global oil prices and sustain local economic activity.

- By DIANN CALUCIN

The funds, sourced from the city’s General Fund and Trust Fund, will be distributed to households, students, public sector workers, healthcare personnel, and barangays across Manila. Domagoso said the city government decided to advance the release of obligations originally scheduled in the coming weeks so families could use the money right away.