Quezon City approves P2.8-billion supplemental budget 

The Quezon City Council passed a supplemental budget of P2.8 billion to address the coronavirus disease 2019 in the city.

The budget, passed by the QC Council, was signed by Mayor Joy Belmonte early this week.

“Wala pong dapat ikabahala ang ating mga residente dahil may nakalaang pondo para patuloy ang pag-alalay natin sa kanila sa gitna ng krisis na ito,” Belmonte said in a statement.

According to the local government, most of the budget will be used for additional food and economic relief for families, especially those without income amid the enhanced community quarantine.

“We allocated additional P697 million for the purchase of more welfare goods for repacking and distribution to families, and P750 million for the provision of cash aid to families not included in the list of beneficiaries of the national government’s Social Amelioration Program,” Marian Orayani, the budget officer, said.

Orayani said another P754 million was given for the "Kalingang QC" program for the vulnerable residents in the city.

Under the program, solo parents, persons with disabilities, vendors, jeepney, tricycle, pedicab, taxi, and AUV drivers will begiven P2,000 financial assistance.

Meanwhile, P200 million will be used for the wages and hazard pay of essential contractual city government employees.

“We also allotted P200 million for the continued adjustment of the wages of our contractual and job-order employees to a livable rate, or not below the minimum P13,000,” Orayani said.