Forums on the the Alibyo-Cebu- Ayuda Network (Relief-Cebu-Support Network) were held among the seven women’s organizations last September 2021.
The Ayuda Network is a national coalition launched last March 2021 and is composed of labor unions, federations, mass organizations, and various sectors that are demanding for financial assistance from the government in the face of the crisis brought about by the pandemic. The Alibyo-Cebu-Ayuda Network was launched on August 19, 2021 in Mandaue City by various multi-sectoral groups.
The network is demanding for the release of unspent funds from Republic Act 11469 or Bayanihan 1 that expired on December 31, 2020 and Republic Act 11519 or Bayanihan 2 that expired on June 30, 2021. The two laws passed by the Philippine Congress provided cash assistance to distressed families affected by the lockdowns during the pandemic. The network is also demanding for the release of unspent funds from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the Philippine Government in 2020.
The network is demanding that these unspent funds be released to different funds, through the passage of bills proposed by party-lists forming the Makabayan Bloc in Congress. These bills include the following, namely: (a) House Bill 9089 which shall provide P10,000 cash aid for all Filipino families, (b) House Bill 9262 which shall provide P100 daily wage subsidy for all workers, (c) House Bill 9492 which shall provide P10,000 financial assistance and support for the education sector, (d) House Bill 7909 which shall provide 14-day paid additional leave for employees who are confirmed, probable or suspected COVID-19 cases, and (e) House Bill 7525 that shall provide subsidy for fisherfolks.
