DAVAO CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) – Faster than the distribution of the 1st tranche, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Davao Region has already reached and distributed the 2nd tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) subsidy to more than 80 percent of the its total 419,000 beneficiaries.
Speaking at the One Davao Virtual Presser recently, DSWD XI Assistant Regional Director for Operations Merlinda Paragamac announced that the agency’s financial service provider, StarPay, has already sent out reference numbers to 340,904 beneficiaries for the 2nd tranche and those considered waitlisted.
“ Most of this number have already claimed and received their subsidy either through accredited money transfer outlets or through direct payout”, she said.
The direct payout is an alternative mode of disbursement where the financial service provider holds the actual distribution in a designated venue such as gymnasium or covered court in a certain barangay.
Qualified beneficiaries were provided with a reference number sent through SMS. This is one of the core requirements for the beneficiary to claim the subsidy.
Along with the reference number, the SMS also contains other important information needed for the beneficiary to know. It contains the schedule when the individual has to go to the outlet and the branch of the service provider.
The DSWD XI admitted that there were branches where beneficiaries lined up as early as 1AM to ensure that they will be catered within the day. However, it was observed that some beneficiaries flocked to the branch even if it is not yet their schedule to do so. This prompted the DSWD XI to issue an advisory to remind beneficiaries to follow the schedule as indicated in the SMS notification.
Another issue that came out during the distribution of SAP is the alleged fixing that happened in certain branches which reported that some beneficiaries were asked an amount to be assured that they would be catered fast.
“ Upon our investigation when we learned about this, it turned out that we do not have any evidence of witness to support this particular claim. That is why we encourage those affected beneficiaries to come out and serve as witness”, Paragamac said.
DSWD XI could not proceed with filing any case or take an action in the absence of an individual or groups to lodge a complaint and support such.
The DSWD expects to complete the distribution of SAP subsidy for the 2nd tranche and those waitlisted in Davao Region until the end of September. (PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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