At least 2.5K rice retailers have received aid — DTI
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 15) – At least 2,500 rice retailers affected by the price ceiling on the staple grain have so far received the ₱15,000 worth of financial assistance, the Department of Trade and Industry said Friday.
"So far, sa NCR (National Capital Region), mahigit 1,500 na ang nabigyan, at mahigit 2,500 na ang nabigyan, sa buong Pilipinas na 'yan," Trade Assitant Secretary Agaton Uvero told CNN Philippines' Newsroom Ngayon.
"Maliit pa yung numero pero nagkakahalaga na rin ng mga ₱35 million," he added.
[Translation: So far, more than 1,500 beneficiaries in the NCR received financial assistance, and more than 2,500 beneficiaries nation. The number is still few but the distributed financial assistance has amounted to ₱35 million.]
Distribution of financial aid has begun in public markets in Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, San Juan and Zamboanga del Sur .
RELATED:
DSWD to begin giving ₱15,000 aid to small-scale rice retailers in Metro Manila
DSWD ramps up cash aid distribution for micro rice retailers
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the cash assistance will be given to retailers who are affected by the implementation of Executive Order No. 39, which put a price ceiling of ₱41 per kilogram for regular milled and ₱45/kg for well-milled rice effective on Sept. 5.
Uvero also said a deadline extension for the distribution of cash aid is possible depending on the coordination of the DTI with the local government units (LGUs) and the DSWD.
The distribution of financial assistance to rice retailers is set until Sept. 19.
Uvero said the outdated and unconsolidated list of rice retailers poses a challenge to the agency in locating eligible beneficiaries.
He urged rice retailers to coordinate with DTI's regional offices or their respective LGUs to validate their information or confirm their eligibility for cash assistance.
