MANILA, Philippines — Some 13.5 million beneficiaries have so far received the second tranche of the financial assistance from the national government amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported Wednesday.
During the hearing of the House committee on good government and public accountability, DSWD Undersecretary Danilo Pamonag said this amounts to P81.1 billion of cash aid given to beneficiaries.
“I am pleased to report that for the 2nd tranche of SAP, a total amount of P81.1 billion had been disbursed for the benefit of 13.5 million families or beneficiaries. This is translated to 95% accomplishment of the program,” Pamonag told lawmakers.
“We are optimistic that we would be able to serve all our eligible beneficiaries in due time as the necessary documentary requirements are now being processed for the subsequent transfer of funds to our beneficiaries,” he added.
Pamonag said DSWD is in constant coordination with local government units (LGUs) and their financial service provides as well as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) which are helping in the distribution of the cash aid.
“We would like to assure this committee and our kababayans that the DSWD remains steadfast and committed in delivering the emergency subsidy in the soonest possible time,” Pamonag said.
Under the SAP, each beneficiary will receive between P5,000 to P8,000 cash subsidy for two tranches based on the prevailing minimum wage rates in their respective regions.
In a House hearing in July, Pamonag said some payouts may extend in August due to some factors such as mobility constraints in reaching far-flung areas or geographically isolated disadvantaged areas.
Pamonag said reaching these areas may take one or two days.
Further, Pamonag noted the delivery of the subsidy to conflict-affected areas or areas with security threats that may require systematic coordination and planning with the AFP and PNP.
READ: DSWD: 3.2 million beneficiaries already got second tranche of cash aid