Distribution of P15K cash aid to rice retailers, store owners has been completed — DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) distribution of financial assistance for small rice retailers and sari-sari store owners has ended on Oct. 20.
“A total of 26,266 micro-retailers and sari-sari store owners benefitted from the SLP (Sustainable Livelihood Program) receiving a total of P393.9 million in cash aid, which started on Sept. 9,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a statement on Monday, Oct. 23.
The cash aid was in accordance with the directive of President Marcos Jr. to assist small-scale business owners who were directly affected by the issuance of Executive Order No. 39 on Aug. 31, which imposed price ceilings on well-milled and regular-milled rice.
“Under the DSWD’s SLP cash aid program, sari-sari store owners and micro-rice retailers received cash subsidy of P15,000 each to help buttress their losses due to the price cap,” DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said.
He pointed out that the target beneficiaries were 35,302 micro-rice retailers and sari-sari store owners who were first validated, certified, and authorized by the Department of Trade and Industry.
“Of the qualified beneficiaries, some 8,873 micro-retailers and sari-sari store owners did not show up to claim the livelihood grants, while 163 intended beneficiaries were disqualified due to issues on supporting documents,” he said.
DSWD also expressed optimism that the small-scale business owners can now slowly return to their normal situation with the lifting of EO 39 and with rice prices already stabilizing.
With the lifting of EO 39 and rice prices already stabilizing, the DSWD is optimistic that small-scale business owners can gradually return to their normal situation.