Even though discussions are still ongoing with the Department of Agriculture (DA) regarding the proposed distribution of actual rice aid rather than cash subsidy, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Tuesday, Feb. 20 acknowledged that reaching out to millions of beneficiaries nationwide would be “logistically hard.”

In order to alleviate price pressure on the market when it comes to purchasing expensive rice, DA officials have suggested to President Marcos that the P600 rice subsidy provided to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries be converted into actual rice that will be supplied by the National Food Authority.

“It’s logistically hard because if you think about it, our beneficiaries are spread out—4.4 million spread across different areas in the country. Sometimes in the most geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas—mountains, islands,” Gatchalian said in a mix of English and Filipino in a televised Palace briefing.

“I told President Marcos, we will continue studying DA’s proposal but the President also said it might be difficult logistically, so we are still going for cash subsidy distribution. We’re not saying no to actual rice distribution. Studies are ongoing but taking into account the logistics that are needed so that our beneficiaries don’t have to suffer,” he added.

Gatchalian pointed out that there are issues that must be resolved if they decide to give beneficiaries actual rice.

First, he said if the DSWD distributes rice during the monthly family development session (FDS), there should be a rice storage facility while beneficiaries await the next FDS.

Second, Gatchalian questioned how women who live in remote villages will be able to transport P1,200 worth of rice, given that the payouts are only valid for two months.

Third, he said National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan has recommended that a cost analysis be conducted, and that due to the difficulty in obtaining aid, the amount provided may be reduced.

However, he said, one thing is certain—they are still studying the best way to carry out the distribution of actual rice.

“Hindi tayo sumusuko doon para ma-achieve rin natin na matulungan iyong mga producers natin na magsasaka (We are not giving up on that so that we can also help our rice producers who are farmers),” he said.

“But as the President always says, aid should not make our countrymen suffer. So that’s where we draw the line—meaning when we know that our beneficiaries will have more difficulties, we will not continue,” he added.