LGUs spent nearly P119Bn for pandemic response
The local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines used up P118.9 billion(US$2.3 billion) as of June 2021 to deliver programs and projects that helped contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus in their communities.
According to a report from the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), more than 64% or P76.44 billion (US$1.48 billion) was obtained by the LGUs from their collection of fees and taxes.
Meanwhile, about P35.44 billion (US$689 million) was taken from the grant provided under the first Bayanihan law. The remaining six per cent came from LGU trusts amounting to P4.93 billion (US$95 million) and external donations amounting to P2.14 billion (US$41.7 million).
BLGF executive director Niño Raymond Alvina said that P59.03 billion (US$1.15 billion)were used by local governments to implement measures that addressed pandemic concerns.
Alvina said 587 LGUs delivered their responses for their constituents, of which 482 are municipalities, 68 are cities, and 37 are provinces.
The LGUs also distributed P17.41 billion US$338 million) in financial assistance to sectors most affected by the pandemic such as drivers, senior citizens, and students.