DSWD welcomes proposal on distributing rice instead of cash aid

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday welcomed the suggestion to distribute rice instead of cash assistance to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

In a text message, DSWD co-spokesperson Irene Dumlao told INQUIRER.net that it was ready to participate in meetings that involved changes in their implementation of the 4Ps.

READ: Rice instead of cash for 4Ps recipients? Marcos contemplates – DA exec

“As an implementing agency, we welcome enhancements or improvements to the delivery of our program [4Ps],” Dumlao said.

“We will participate in meaningful discussions about the proposal, and if approved, the department will ensure an effective and efficient implementation,” she added.

The 4Ps is the government’s conditional cash transfer program, which seeks to aid families in street situations, indigenous families, and other households living below the poverty threshold.

According to the Official Gazette, 4Ps give health grants of P500 per qualified household every month and an education grant worth P300 every month for a total of 10 months in a year.

Furthermore, in a press conference on Tuesday, Department of Agriculture (DA) Usec. Roger Navarro said that the suggestion to replace the cash grant with rice from the National Food Authority was floated during a meeting between the DA and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

READ: 1.24M families may be removed as 4Ps beneficiaries this year

This suggestion, Navarro said, is being considered by the president as it may help shield indigent families from the volatility of the rice market.

He, however, did not give details on how much rice would be given to families in need since they are still looking into how they would implement the program if it were to be pushed through.