DSWD targets September 14 to finish the distribution of cash assistance to rice retailers
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) targets September 14 as the last day to finish the distribution of cash assistance to rice retailers. This is in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to expedite the payout. Likewise, it is in compliance with the Commission on Election (COMELEC) directive regarding the utilization of public funds amid the election ban.
In a September 12 news release, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) reported that more than 400 rice retailers from six areas in the Philippines have already received a cash grant of P15,000. DSWD distributed livelihood assistance to affected retailers due to the rice price ceiling.
In another statement, PBBM said that the distribution of livelihood grants led by DSWD would help encourage micro retailers to comply with the enforced price cap.
It can be recalled that the executive order on rice ceiling issued August 31 has so far gained support from various sectors. In fact, the implementation of government agencies assigned was also immediate. The Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as well as the DSWD have worked together in identifying, qualifying and distributing the cash grants.
During a media briefing in Quezon City on Tuesday, PBBM said that the implementation and enforcement of the mandated price caps on rice is going well as expected.
The price caps though, as mentioned previously by the President is only temporary until sufficient supply from local producers and imports are available.
Meanwhile, affected rice micro retailers and sellers who may not be reached by the DSWD on the September 14 target date of completion need not worry. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian submitted to the COMELEC on September 6 the supplemental request for authorization for the release, disbursement, and expenditure of funds allocated for the cash aid program. The latter granted the request on Tuesday, September 12.
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With the COMELEC’s approval, DSWD will continue to conduct payouts of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP)-cash assistance for micro rice retailers amid the election ban.
