LGUs told: Release SAP by April 30

CEBU, Philippines — Local government units have until April 30 to completely distribute the emergency subsidy to 18 million families who are the intended beneficiaries under the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP), the Department of Interior and LocalGovernment said.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, in a statement, said that LGUs must fast-track the pay-out or distribution of SAP financial assistance to intended beneficiaries so they will be able to make both ends meet during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Ibinabanapo ng Department of Social Welfare and Development angpondo para sa SAP emergency subsidy samga LGUs kaya walana pong dahilan para hindiiyanmakaratingsaatingmgakababayangkapos-paladngayongpanahon ng pandemya,” said Año.

The DILG secretary issued the call as his office received reports that some low-income families have not yet received the SAP financial aid despite having filled up the SAC forms.

The LGU reminded all LGUs that they signeda MOA with the DSWD and they must abide by the terms of the MOA otherwise they will be made accountable.

But in Mandaue City, for example, Association of Barangay Councils president Ernie Manatad said yesterday that they have not started distributingthe P6,000 emergency cash aid to 58,770 beneficiaries as it took time for the City Social Welfare and Development to validate the beneficiaries.

Manatad said that all the 28 barangays in the city have already submitted the SAP forms last Friday.

“Peromaolagi pod, ang validation sa DSWD angnadugayan pod kaytawaganbayajudnilatagsatagsa kung naay questionable saiyang data ngagi-fill up,” said Manatad.

However, Manatad said despite of the short remaining period, they will try their best to beat the deadline set by DILG as barangay officials have already put in place the system on how to distribute the funds.

“By sitio among sabot unyai-distribute kini  house to house,” Manatad said.

Data released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 showed that as of 12 noon yesterday, a total of 94,718 or about 16 percent low income families were given the cash aid out of the 598,218 beneficiaries in Cebu.

Añofurther said that thegovernment is now gearing for the distribution of the second wave of SAP financial assistance wherein focus will be given to those in the areas under extended ECQ and those who were “left out” during the first wave.

“Magsisimulanatayo ng pamimigay ng second wave ng SAP sa Mayo. Let us ensure that all families left out who belong to the masterlist will also receive the emergency subsidy this time,” he said.

According to Bayanihan Heal as One Act, each of the 18 million low-income families will be provided with P5,000 to P8,000 subsidy to provide for basic food, medicine, and toiletries which is computed based on the prevailing regional minimum wage rates and existing subsidy programs of the local and nationalgovernments.

Meanwhile, DILG spokesperson and undersecretary for plans, public affairs and communication Jonathan Malaya emphasized that each of the qualified family shall avail of only one SAP program only.

Malaya said that the qualified family can receive SAP financial assistance either through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Trade and Industry.

Malaya also reminded the public to use the SAP financial subsidy that they received from the government wisely. —  JMD (FREEMAN)