Starting this Saturday, the government will provide ₱15,000 in cash assistance to small rice sellers in Metro Manila affected by price limits.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will distribute this aid at public markets in Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan City, and San Juan City.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian have already led the kickoff distribution of financial assistance for qualified rice retailers.
He first visited Commonwealth Market in Quezon City, Agora Market in San Juan, and Pajo Market in Caloocan.
(1/2) PANOORIN: Pinangunahan ni DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian ang kick off distribution ng financial assistance para sa qualified rice retailers. | RH 23 @edwinduqueRH23#SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/2ZTSgscOQL
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 9, 2023
Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Benhur Abalos also went to Pajo Market in Caloocan, along with Mayor Along Malapitan, to witness the distribution of financial assistance.
TINGNAN: Nagtungo rin si DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos sa Pajo Market sa Caloocan, kasama sina Mayor Along Malapitan, para saksihan ang kick off distribution ng financial assistance sa mga rice retailer. | RH 23 @edwinduqueRH23#SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/zMMRc0fKUB
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 9, 2023
No application for assistance
Gatchalian also stressed that the payouts would take place on-site, with DSWD paymasters visiting the marketplaces where rice retailers do business.
"The payout will be on the ground, meaning the DSWD paymasters will go to the marketplace where the rice retailers are,” he said.
According to the DSWD, the ₱15,000 cash assistance is expected to support rice retailers for a minimum of seven days, in line with the enforcement of Executive Order 39, which sets price limits at ₱41 per kilogram for regular milled rice and ₱45 per kilogram for well-milled rice.
This week, unregistered small rice vendors and sari-sari store owners selling rice will receive financial aid ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱15,000 to mitigate the impact of President Marcos' prescribed rice price limits.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that the President's directive is to ensure inclusivity in the list of beneficiaries, encompassing unlicensed rice vendors and sari-sari store owners selling rice under the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
“Unlicensed rice retailers and sari-sari store owners selling rice are also included in the SLP payout, which is in line with the President’s directive that the list of beneficiaries should be inclusive,” he added.
