NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DSWD To Extend Cash Assistance To Small Rice Retailers Affected By Rice Price Ceiling
Photo credit: DSWD
In response to the newly implemented price ceiling on rice, effective September 5, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) stands ready to provide much-needed financial assistance to small rice retailers facing potential losses. This initiative comes as a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has instructed DSWD Secretary Gatchalian to utilize the department's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to support these retailers.
Secretary Gatchalian shared the President's directive, stating, "We discussed with the President that we will use the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program once again so that our small retailers affected by this temporary price cap on rice can be assisted."
Under Executive Order No. 39, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on August 31, the price ceiling for regular milled rice is set at P41 per kilo, while well-milled rice is capped at P45 per kilo.
The SLP currently boasts a budget of Php5.5 billion, which can be promptly utilized to mitigate the impact of the rice price cap, particularly for small rice retailers with limited inventory. This program offers support through start-up capital for small businesses, capital build assistance for cases like those affected by EO 39, and employment grants.
The DSWD is eagerly awaiting the list of eligible small rice retailers, which will be provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Secretary Gatchalian expressed optimism, stating, "Hopefully, by next week, we can conduct a payout for the sustainable livelihood grant to our affected rice retailers."
Currently, DTI and DA are working together to compile a comprehensive list of affected rice traders and retailers set to receive government assistance.
Secretary Gatchalian emphasized the readiness of the DSWD to initiate a nationwide payout to qualified recipients, with financial aid reaching a maximum of Php15,000. "Bagamat kino-compute pa ng DTI at DA ang dapat matanggap ng bawat tatamaang rice retailers, ang maximum na ibinibigay ng programang SLP ay P15,000. One time big time," highlighted the DSWD chief.
Furthermore, DSWD has received additional support, as Speaker Martin Romualdez has committed to raising Php2 billion to augment the SLP budget. Secretary Gatchalian welcomed this move, stating, "I told Speaker Romualdez that the SLP’s Php5.5 billion is enough to help the distressed small rice retailers. But I also welcome the additional budget as this would mean more Filipinos will be given assistance under the SLP."
Secretary Gatchalian shared the President's directive, stating, "We discussed with the President that we will use the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program once again so that our small retailers affected by this temporary price cap on rice can be assisted."
Under Executive Order No. 39, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on August 31, the price ceiling for regular milled rice is set at P41 per kilo, while well-milled rice is capped at P45 per kilo.
The SLP currently boasts a budget of Php5.5 billion, which can be promptly utilized to mitigate the impact of the rice price cap, particularly for small rice retailers with limited inventory. This program offers support through start-up capital for small businesses, capital build assistance for cases like those affected by EO 39, and employment grants.
The DSWD is eagerly awaiting the list of eligible small rice retailers, which will be provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Secretary Gatchalian expressed optimism, stating, "Hopefully, by next week, we can conduct a payout for the sustainable livelihood grant to our affected rice retailers."
Currently, DTI and DA are working together to compile a comprehensive list of affected rice traders and retailers set to receive government assistance.
Secretary Gatchalian emphasized the readiness of the DSWD to initiate a nationwide payout to qualified recipients, with financial aid reaching a maximum of Php15,000. "Bagamat kino-compute pa ng DTI at DA ang dapat matanggap ng bawat tatamaang rice retailers, ang maximum na ibinibigay ng programang SLP ay P15,000. One time big time," highlighted the DSWD chief.
Furthermore, DSWD has received additional support, as Speaker Martin Romualdez has committed to raising Php2 billion to augment the SLP budget. Secretary Gatchalian welcomed this move, stating, "I told Speaker Romualdez that the SLP’s Php5.5 billion is enough to help the distressed small rice retailers. But I also welcome the additional budget as this would mean more Filipinos will be given assistance under the SLP."
Sep 5, 2023
