Chaos in subsidy distribution

- Advertisement -

‘This part of the program is nothing new. The DSWD had this download-through-the-barangays approach in distributing the financial assistance or “ayuda” under the Bayanihan programs during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.’

THE DSWD’s announcement last week that it will be distributing some P500 million in cash assistance to indigent students to help them pay for education-related expenses is a whiff of fresh air for many who are financially troubled and “in crisis.”

Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo said that on August 20, there were at least 48,000 poor students who had been given educational assistance, amounting to P141 million. Such subsidy distribution was made nationwide at DSWD central and regional offices, and was attended by chaos as long lines of learners and their parents swamped these offices to receive the dole-outs, others not knowing that they were not qualified as beneficiaries at all.

The first day of distribution was a big letdown for the new DSWD secretary who had to apologize for this inefficiency and lack of planning and experience. Even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was duly alarmed by what happened, to the point that he had to suggest to Tulfo to engage the help of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which has enough personnel, expertise and experience in these activities.

- Advertisement -

The cash aid distribution will be conducted for six Saturdays until Sept. 24.

Following the President’s intervention, the DSWD and the DILG officials signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to coordinate their efforts with regards the distribution of cash aid for indigent students.

To remedy the funds downloading fiasco, the local government units — the cities, towns and their barangays — will now be the ones to manage the payout as well as the screening and security in the regional offices.

This part of the program is nothing new. The DSWD had this download-through-the-barangays approach in distributing the financial assistance or “ayuda” under the Bayanihan programs during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Labor’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, another dole-out project, was also assisted by cities and municipalities in the distribution of benefits.

Mr. DSWD Secretary, there is no reason to bungle when there are good-practices models that can be replicated from previous officials.

Author

- Advertisement -

Share post: