CEBU CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) released P2,124,378 in cash aid to 354,063 families worth P6,000 for each family as of April 29, 2020.
DSWD-7 emphasized that the government wants to help all families affected by the crisis to benefit from the social amelioration program but priority will be given to the poor and those at risk of not earning income during this quarantine period.
DSWD-7 Regional Director Rebecca Geamala explained that under Republic Act (RA) No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One” Act, target beneficiaries of the SAP are low-income families or those on subsistence economy or workers in the informal economy including 4Ps household beneficiaries and UCT Listahanan beneficiaries, and with members belonging to the vulnerable sector, assessed to be the most affected by the declaration given their existing life situations or circumstances.
On the other hand, some Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) Listahanan beneficiaries have decided to voluntarily waive their slots for the emergency cash grants under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) Bayanihan Fund: Tulong Laban sa COVID-19.
Vicente Fernandez, a UCT Listahanan beneficiary from Samboan, Cebu, understood that there are other people who are more deserving to receive the subsidy from the government.
He signed a waiver indicating that he would no longer receive the subsidy and his slot will be given to others.
“I have seen in my eyes the situation of my fellow Samboanons who are in dire need especially in this trying times and that is why I am waiving this assistance so that it will be given to others,” said Vicente, adding that he can provide now the needs for his family especially that her eldest daughter is also a co-public high school teacher in Samboan National High School.
A tricyle driver in Tagbilaran City, Bohol named Marjune Melo informed the City Government of Tagbilaran that he will no longer receive the emergency cash subsidy because his wife is also included as SAP beneficiary in their hometown in Lila.
“Wala man ko nakabalo nga naapil pud diay akong asawa didto sa amo sa Lila mao nga pagkadawat niya sa P6,000, personal ko nga ni-ari ug nagpahibalo aron dili na magdoble ang pagdawat sa among pamilya ug kini mahatag pud sa uban nga nanginahanglan (I am not aware that my wife is also included in our hometown in Lila and that is why when I learned that she already received the P6,000, I visited and informed the office so that there will be no duplication and this cash subsidy will be given to others who are also in need),” Marjune said.
Elisa Cabual, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary from Basay, Negro Oriental, also returned the P6,000 emergency cash subsidy.
Elisa’s daughter, Maribel, a solo parent, was among those who received the cash subsidy during the recent pay-out in their town.
For Elisa, it was already a duplication of cash subsidy because Maribel is a member of her family and they are already part of the SAP as a 4Ps beneficiary.
She personally returned the money to the Basay Municipal Treasure’s Office on April 23, 2020.
Meanwhile, DSWD-7 urged the 4Ps, UCT Listahanan beneficiaries, and beneficiaries from other national government agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment to inform the office immediately if there is a duplication of cash subsidy received so that it will be given to other qualified beneficiaries.
DSWD-7 also encouraged the beneficiaries of SAP to use the emergency cash subsidy to buy food like rice and viands and other essential needs of their family while their work is temporarily stopped because of community quarantine. (hfg/PIA7/ with report from DSWD-7)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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