DBM releases P30.82B for LGUs Covid-19 response

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P30.82 billion for cities and municipalities to combat COVID-19, equivalent to one month's fiscal year 2020 Internal Revenue Allotment.

This one-time financial aid, known as the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities (BGCM), is intended to boost local government units' response capacity during the State of Calamity.

The BGCM can be utilized for various COVID-19 related expenses, including procurement of personal protective equipment, testing kits, medicines, and hospital supplies.

It also covers expenses for medical personnel, food assistance for affected households, and the establishment of additional facilities for COVID-19 patients.

Expenses for conducting Covid-19 testing, training of personnel, and temporary shelters are also covered.

However, the funds cannot be used for financial or cash assistance, personal services expenditures like salaries, or administrative expenses.

Unutilized funds after the lifting of the State of Calamity must be reverted to the National Treasury.