MANILA- President Rodrigo Duterte's administration will release financial aid to local government units to allow their officials to better respond to the coronavirus pandemic, the chief executive said in his report to Congress.

The Department of Budget and Management will release the "Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities" which would help fund local government's COVID-19 relief efforts, Duterte's report read.

The assistance is equivalent to 1 month of the local government unit's internal revenue allotment, totaling P30.824 billion.

Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado told ABS-CBN News that his agency is already working on the guidelines as they aim to release the funds by Wednesday, April 8.

"It would be good for all local government units nationwide who are feeling the pressure of responding to their constituents. The national government has heard their concerns," Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in an ANC interview.

Several local officials have called on the national government for help as millions of Filipinos became dependent on food rations and relief goods due to the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon. The lockdown was extended until April 30.

• READ: Duterte's second report on COVID-19 response

The Land Bank of the Philippines meanwhile launched its P10-billion emergency loan assistance program for LGUs.

The loans will have a fixed interest rate of 5 percent per year, payable to a maximum of 5 years, with a 1-year grace period on the principal payment.

The program, according to President Duterte's report, can be used by provincial, city, and municipal governments for emergency funding to buy goods and procure services.