Incoming DSWD chief Tulfo eyes distributing cash aid in lump sum

Broadcaster Erwin Tulfo. INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — Incoming Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) chief Erwin Tulfo is eyeing distributing cash assistance in lump sums.

Tulfo pointed out that the lump sum would enable beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to start a business, instead of just consuming the assistance amounting to P1,200 per month.

“My plan sana pag-aralan talagang mabuti ‘to na why don’t we just do it like isang lump sum. ‘Yung two years niya, ibigay na lump sum para makapagpatayo siya ng business,” he shared in a Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

(My plan is to study giving the cash assistance in a lump sum so they can start their business.)

“Para in long run, doon niya kunin everyday ‘yung kanyang pangkain sa mga tinda-tindahan niya — ‘pag sidewalk vendor, street vendor siya — kaysa sa monthly na binibigay natin na P1,200 nang P1,200. Nauubos lang dahil nagto-tong its, pinang-iinom,” he added.

(So, in the long run, they will get the money for their daily needs from their business — if they are a sidewalk vendor, or street vendor — instead of giving P1,200 monthly. It dwindles because of card games and alcohol.)

Tulfo shared that president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. instructed him to come up with a plan which will alleviate the burden of taxpayers, whose money is collected to fund the cash assistance.

“‘Di naman na habang-buhay ‘yung taxpayers keep on funding ‘yung mga mahihirap natin for the next 50 years,” he lamented.

(Taxpayers will not keep on funding the poor people for the next 50 years.)

Tulfo likewise reiterated his pledge to be a DSWD chief “on the ground” who will be easily reached by the public.

He earlier told his critics to give him up to one year to fulfill his duties as DSWD chief. If he fails, he will step down from his post.

JPV