THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed more than P393.9 million worth of cash grants to more than 26,000 micro and small rice retailers and sari-sari store owners who were affected by the price ceiling on rice that was implemented by the government in September.
The DSWD ended its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for micro and small rice retailers and sari-sari store owners last October 20.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the program ended on a strong note, with 26,266 rice retailers and sari-sari store owners getting the P15,000 one-time government cash assistance.
The distribution of the aid, which started on September 9, was in line with the directive of President Marcos Jr. to assist small-scale business owners who were directly affected by Executive Order No. 39 that imposed price caps on regular and well-milled rice amid the rising prices of the staple grain.
The President lifted EO 39 earlier this month.
DSWD assistant secretary and spokesman Romel Lopez said the target beneficiaries – after validation and certification by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – totaled to 35,302 micro-rice retailers and sari-sari store owners.
Lopez said 8,873 qualified recipients did not show up to claim their livelihood grants, while 163 were disqualified due to issues on supporting documents.
He said there is nothing definite yet if there would be an extension period for the unclaimed grants. — Jocelyn Montemayor
