DSWD ramps up cash aid distribution for micro rice retailers

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 11)- Micro rice retailers in Metro Manila and Zamboanga del Sur areas have begun receiving financial assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

The DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP) cash payouts began on Saturday at Commonwealth Market, Quezon City as well as Maypajo Market and Agora Market in San Juan City, the department reported.

"The distribution of PhP15,000 cash grants to affected rice retailers is now being implemented in the municipality of Pateros and the cities of Navotas, and Parañaque in the National Capital Region as well as in Zamboanga del Sur," Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a statement on Monday.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement that more than 405 qualified beneficiaries were able to get the cash assistance including Caloocan on Monday.

"The disbursement of the cash assistance is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s directive to assist micro rice retailers in dealing with the impact of the EO," the department said.

Earlier, Gatchalian said the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) identified 337 beneficiaries in those areas: 15 rice retailers in Pateros, 161 in Navotas, 129 in Paranaque, and 32 in Zamboanga del Sur.

The DSWD said the P15,000 cash assistance will be given to qualified retailers — or those affected by the implementation of Executive Order No. 39 putting a price ceiling of ₱41 per kilogram (kg) for regular milled and ₱45/kg for well-milled rice effective on Sept. 5.

READ: Gov't warns of stricter rice price cap implementation in coming days

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/9/5/rice-price-cap-implementation.html

"Unlicensed rice retailers and sari-sari store owners selling rice are also included in the SLP payout which is in line with the president's directive that the list of beneficiaries should be inclusive," Gatchalian said on Saturday.

READ: DSWD to begin giving ₱15,000 aid to small-scale rice retailers in Metro Manila