Beneficiaries practice social distancing while withdrawing cash grants. PHOTO FROM DSWD FACEBOOK
MANILA, Philippines – Cash grants have already been released to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) confirmed.
DSWD said in a statement on Wednesday that the cash grants of over 140,000 beneficiaries of the 4Ps’ modified conditional cash transfer (MCCT) have been credited to their accounts.
“On March 24, the cash grants of more than 140,000 beneficiaries of the MCCT have been credited to their accounts which they can withdraw anytime in any Land Bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or any ATM of other banks with minimal charges,” DSWD said.
Aside from the MCCT beneficiaries, those who are entitled to the government’s conditional cash transfer program in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Regions I, II, and III also received their grants on March 24.
The remaining beneficiaries are set to receive the cash grants by March 26. According to DSWD, around 3.6 million individuals included in the program have cash cards that may be used to withdraw the grants.
Previously, Vice President Leni Robredo called on the DSWD to continue its cash transfer programs as the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the COVID-19 outbreak has left poor families without income to buy food.
As the ECQ was enforced, several workers — especially those relying on daily wages — were hard hit by the stoppage of work and mass transportation.
DSWD confirmed that the cash transfer programs were halted, but insisted that these were only to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The department also clarified that their social aid programs would continue.
As COVID-19 incidents continue to in the country, DSWD said that beneficiaries who were withdrawing their grants were advised to practice social distancing and other measures intended to protect people from contracting COVID-19.
“DSWD reminded the beneficiaries that in withdrawing their cash grants, they are highly encouraged to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like face mask, gloves, handkerchief, and to bring hand sanitizers or alcohol before they leave their homes,” DSWD said.
“Physical distancing of at least one meter should also be strictly followed by beneficiaries while queuing at any ATM. After withdrawing their hands, they are also advised to properly wash their hands or disinfect before entering their homes, and to change their clothes.”
As of Wednesday, Luzon remains under ECQ due to the rising COVID-19 cases. Health officials said that there are already 636 patients been infected with COVID-19, 38 of which have already died while at least 26 have recovered.
Around the world, over 416,000 COVID-19 cases have been recorded, while 18,507 patients have died, and another 101,090 patients have recovered.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus that first emerged in China’s city of Wuhan in Hubei province in late 2019.
The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses named the novel coronavirus as SARS-CoV-2.
Coronavirus is a family of viruses, which surfaces have a crown-like appearance. The viruses are named for the spikes on their surfaces.