ILOILO CITY – The first batch of micro rice retailers in Western Visayas have received their P15,000 cash aid.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-6 aided the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-6 in releasing the money for those affected by the government rice price ceiling.
“We are actively working to ensure that all qualified rice retailers receive the support they deserve,” said DTI-6 Director Ermelinda Pollentes.
Distribution started in Iloilo on September 13 and continued in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.
It has the support of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-6, the National Food Authority (NFA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-6, and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Pollentes warned violators of the rice price cap. “Consumers must be treated fairly,” added Pollentes.
The DTI conducted profiling and verification of target-beneficiaries which were used as the basis for the payout under the DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of DSWD.