BAGUIO CITY—The robbery of at least P2.7 million for cash subsidy of the poor in Tinoc town, Ifugao province, prompted authorities to plan a more secure way of delivering the aid—through cash cards or by policemen.
The poor of Tinoc would have to wait some more, though.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is working on the distribution of cash cards to conditional cash transfer (CCT) beneficiaries in Cordillera provinces following the robbery of the money meant for at least 1,269 beneficiaries in Tinoc.
Janet Armas, DSWD Cordillera director, said while the cash card system was being worked out, police could be tasked with delivering the money to beneficiaries.
First time
Robbers on May 21 intercepted three motorcycle riders carrying the money as they drove through Kiangan town, also in Ifugao.
Armas said this was the first time money meant for Cordillera’s poorest was stolen.
Each CCT beneficiary was entitled to a P500 monthly subsidy and up to P900 for educational needs of up to three children enrolled in elementary or high school.
An additional P200, referred to as the unconditional cash transfer subsidy, had been added to cushion the impact of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law. —KIMBERLIE QUITASOL