Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines – In support of Executive Order (EO) 39 or the Mandated Price Ceilings on Rice imposed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided essential relief to Micro Rice Retailers. Through DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program – Cash Assistance for Micro Rice Retailers, the directive was promptly carried out by granting cash assistance in the amount of PhP 15,000.00 to eligible individuals.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) effectively conducted simultaneous payouts in the four provinces of Cordillera on 14 September 2023. Among these, Baguio-Benguet had the highest number of micro rice retailers served with fifty-five (53), followed by Abra with fourteen (14), and Kalinga and Apayao with four (4) and one (1), respectively.
“This effort underscores the government’s dedication to reaching and supporting communities in need. This collaborative effort involving multiple government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), and other stakeholders exemplifies the region’s resilience and determination to overcome economic difficulties while ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. Such initiatives play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive growth and development in this picturesque and culturally rich part of the Philippines,” said DSWD CAR Regional Director Leo L. Quintilla.
The Department of Trade and Industry was tasked to identify qualified micro rice retailers and submitted the list to DSWD for verification, profiling and releasing of grants. After the release of grants, micro rice retailers were also informed that like other government cash assistance programs, they will be monitored to ensure that the cash assistance given were used to its intended purpose as to what they have stated during the profiling.
“The agency is in close coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry to accommodate affected individuals in the provinces of Ifugao and Mountain Province for the subsequent schedule of payout,” Director Quintilla added. #DSWD-CAR, Jezebel L. Gumatay, SLP Social Marketing Officer
