MALAGO Clubhouse, Malacañang Park, Manila
September 11, 2020

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strengthened the government’s efforts in mitigating the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as he signed into law the ‘Bayanihan to Recover As One Act’ to further address the global health crisis’ economic and health impacts in the Philippines.

The law, also known as the ‘Bayanihan 2,’ provides a fund of PhP165.5 billion to aid the government in its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery programs.

Fund allocations shall be used in major efforts such as additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and compensation for health workers, construction of isolation and quarantine facilities, repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and cash assistance in areas under lockdown.

A portion of the funds shall also be allocated for the improvement of COVID-19 testing centers across the country, as well as the purchasing of medicines and vaccines once these are made available.

Likewise, other sectors affected by the pandemic in terms of economic impact shall benefit from the Bayanihan 2. These include assistance to the local farmers, fisherfolks and agri-business enterprises, boost in the tourism industry by giving subsidies to tourist guides, support to the education sector by means of allowances for teaching and non-teaching personnel, among others.

The Bayanihan 2 law shall require President Duterte to submit a monthly report to Congress detailing the utilization of the funds used.

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