As P15,000 cash aid distribution for affected rice retailers from the approved rice cap launches today, September 9, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said that the aid is possible to increase and is inclusive for rice retailers.

In a radio interview, the DSWD secretary said he already talked to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and he ordered the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and DSWD to calibrate and check the financial assistance. If the cash aid is not enough, Gatchalian said they can make an increase.

Meanwhile, the DTI and DSWD officials held a meeting on Friday to tackle the granting of subsidies and finalize the initial list of rice retailers who were affected by Executive Order No. 39.

The financial aid is under the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

According to Gatchalian, the president instructed that the list of the recipients of the cash aid should be inclusive.

Gatchalian said that unlicensed rice retailers and sari-sari store owners selling rice are also included in the SLP payout following the president's directive.

"Ang ating Pangulo ay nakikinig. Alam niya ang pinagdadaanan ng ating mga rice retailers. Nauunawaan niya iyon" said Gatchalian during the meeting in the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.

The EO 39, which took effect on September 5, has affected rice retailers as it capped the price of regular-milled rice at P41 a kilo and P45 for the well-milled variety.

A total of P2 billion has been allocated for the cash aid.