DSWD-7 releases over P1.6 billion subsidy for 4Ps beneficiaries

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas released on Saturday the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) Bayanihan Fund: Tulong Laban sa COVID-19 for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

DSWD-7, in a statement, said more than 263,000 4Ps household beneficiaries in Central Visayas region will receive P6,000.00 per month for two months. The aid is based on the minimum wage level in the region.

The emergency cash subsidy will serve as a top-up amount added to their regular cash grants and rice subsidy.

The department said the program beneficiaries with Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) cash cards may withdraw from any Land Bank of the Philippines Automated Teller Machines (LBP-ATMs) or any ATM subject to minimal charges. They may also use their cash cards to purchase necessary items in establishments with Point of Sale (POS) terminal.

 “Makatabang gayud kini sa among pamilya labi na sa pagkakarun wala’y income (This would greatly help our family especially now that there is no income),” said Maribel Tagalog, a 4Ps beneficiary in Brgy. Pulpogan, Consolacion, Cebu.

She also serves as one of the parent leaders among the 4Ps beneficiaries in their barangay.

 Maribel’s husband stopped working as a construction worker because of the enhanced community quarantine due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Meanwhile, for 4Ps beneficiaries who have yet to receive their cash cards, the City/Municipal Links (C/MLs) will coordinate with them for the distribution of their emergency cash subsidy.

 Earlier, DSWD declared “force majeure” for the 4Ps program covering February and March.

It suspends the monitoring of compliance that serves as the basis for the computation of cash grants.

This was later on extended to cover the months of April and May.

 The department has already coordinated with local government units (LGUs) and City/Municipal Links to ensure that proper arrangements will be made and that social distancing and other health safety protocols will be strictly observed during the withdrawal of emergency cash assistance.

Under Republic Act (RA) No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One” Act, 18 million low-income households nationwide, including 4Ps household beneficiaries, are expected to receive emergency cash assistance to cushion the impact of the public health emergency due to the COVID-19.

The DSWD reminded all its beneficiaries to be vigilant and to only believe and rely on information released by the official social media accounts and website of the department.  KQD (FREEMAN)