FILE PHOTO Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 7) — Local government units in Metro Manila and four adjacent provinces have started providing emergency subsidy this week to their residents as they continue to be under enhanced community quarantine. Almost 23 million beneficiaries from low-income households in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Rizal — collectively known as the NCR Plus — are expected to benefit from the government's social amelioration program. Each qualified resident may receive cash or in-kind assistance of ₱1,000 each or up to a maximum ₱4,000 for a family. The amount is described as measly compared to the ₱5,000 to ₱8,000 worth of subsidy provided under the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act or Bayanihan 1 in 2020 amid the raging health crisis.