DSWD ready to distribute Php 100 B subsidy.
The Department of Social and Welfare Development announced that they received the first Php 100 billion of the Php 200 billion emergency subsidy from the Department of Budget and Management.
At least 18 million poor families are going to benefit the cash aid who are currently coping with the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to avoid the COVID-19 virus. This move is from Republic Act 11469 or Bayanihan to Heal as One Act which gives President Rodrigo Duterte the power in handling the coronavirus outbreak.
With the help of Local Government Units, they will be issuing amelioration cards before giving out Php 5,000 to Php 8,000 for each family that will be good for a month.
Vulnerable sectors will be the main priority including:
1. Senior Citizens,
2. Distressed OFW
3. Homeless Persons
4. Solo Parent
5. Pregnant Mothers
6. Persons with Disabilities.
DSWD will also include “No Work, No Pay” workers, PUV drivers, farmers, minimum wage earners, house help and subcontractors as the next priority.
For those who want to avail, the head of the family must fill out the complete details like the number of individuals in your household, job, and monthly income.
According to DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, the first beneficiaries are 4.2 million families from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program since they are verified and don’t need any proof.
He also reiterated that if a family receives a food pack, it will not be deducted on the amount that they will get because it is not part of the social amelioration package.
Bautista then appealed to the public to have more patience since it takes a lot of time to validate the beneficiaries.
Last April 1, the residents from Quezon City held a protest requesting the government to help them after they are unable to earn money because of the strict lockdown. Unfortunately, it resulted to commotion and 21 people were arrested for protesting without a permit. QCPD chief Ronnie Montejo revealed to the press that they tried to negotiate with them but they are stubborn to listen so they have no choice but to execute the law. On the other hand, Bernadeth Caboboy, who was part of the scene, stated that they got information that they will receive help in that area but the cops came and hit the men with no remorse.
Later that night, the President said that there is a delayed delivery but it will surely arrive. You won’t die from hunger. He also ordered the policemen and military to shoot those who will violate the home quarantine. Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay criticized DSWD for their slow release of food packs.
References:
https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/3/30/dswd-coronavirus-cash-aid.html
https://www.rappler.com/nation/256752-dswd-says-financial-assistance-ready-distribution-poor-families-affected-coronavirus-lockdown