PRESIDENT Duterte announced Monday night a P200-billion aid program for low-income families badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the quarantine program set up to stop it. Using government funds authorized by the recently enacted “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” the President said some 18 million poor households will each receive P3,000 to P8,000.
The President appealed to “those who have more in life” to extend their own assistance to people in need.” Among the immediate responses to the presidential appeal was that of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) which donated R1 billion – half of which will be in the form of goods and medical equipment and half in cash to be given to the President for his aid program.
San Miguel Corporation announced it was tapping its global network of suppliers to purchase P500 million worth of personal protection equipment for doctors, nurses, and other health workers now risking their own lives in treating coronavirus patients in hospitals around the country. SM Investments Corporation, through SM Foundation, announced it was donating P170 million for protective equipment, on top of an initial donation of P100 million.
“On behalf of the Filipino people, I thank you for your compassion and your generosity,” he said. He named business leaders and many foundations, among them Manny V. Pangilinan, Ramon Ang, Enrique Razon, Lucio Tan and Michael Tan, Jack Ma of China, Simeon Heo of Shopee Philippines, Joji Gotianum Yap, Robert Seng, Archie Po, and Dennis Uy, and the governments of China and Singapore,
In the worldwide fight against COVID-19, China has led in the scientific and and medical effort, identifying the virus’ genetic sequence that allowed scientists around the world to start developing test kits, treatment options, and vaccines.
The United States has focused on the pandemic’s impact on the US economy, with a $2-trillion stimulus plan for families as well as business and industry. It is planning for another $2-trillion for a nationwide infrastructure program.
President Duterte has chosen to concentrate on helping the people who have suffered most from the virus and the quarantine needed to stop it – those who lost their means to earn for their very basic need for food every day. The donations from so many private companies such as NGCP, SMC, and SM Investments, will supplement the government funds that the administration has already poured into the aid program.