TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The province will receive P42,826,542, which will be used in the provincial government’s containment efforts against the Covid-19.
Provincial Planning and Development Officer Flor Moldero said the financial aid is provided under Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act.
The Bayanihan grant to provinces will be used to implement the national strategy against Covid-19 in the provinces. The grant is equivalent to a half-month of the provincial government’s internal revenue allotment.
Cities and municipalities will also receive aid equivalent to their one month IRA.
Moldero said the province will use the money to purchase additional ventilators, test kits, personal protection equipment, disinfectants, improvement of hospital isolation rooms, family food packs, and other medical logistics.
The sangguniang panlalawigan has approved the opening of a special account for the province where the Department of Budget and Management will download the fund, Moldero said.
Moldero said the province has realigned P14.9 million from its accumulated unspent development fund from 2018 and 2019 to augment its Covid-19 relief operation. The provincial government has earlier released P19M for preventive measures against the Covid-19.
Under the province’s anti-Covid-19 operation, the Kalinga-Isabela border has been designated as “holding area” or emergency quarantine area for suspect cases before they are referred to hospitals.
At the holding area, water and sanitation facilities have been improved and frontline workers are provided financial assistance for mobilization, food and other necessities.
To date, Kalinga remains Covid-19- free. – Larry Lopez
