DSWD chief: Lack of adequate constituents' info from LGUs slowed down initial distribution of cash aid

The lack of adequate information from the local government units as regards their constituents slowed down the distribution of financial aid under the national government's social amelioration program, Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista said on Thursday.

"Siguro ang ine-expect po namin noon na ang LGU ay they have the profile, the names, the work, and other livelihood activities ng kanilang mga nasasakupan," Bautista said in a briefing aired past midnight.

"Dahil po hindi rin nila masyadong kabisado o sabihin din nating may kakulangan sa mga listahan nayon, dito na rin po nagkaroon ng problema," he added.

Bautista said the financial assistance meant for beneficiaries in the DSWD's cash doles program and those for public transportation drivers were distributed in a matter of two to three days.

"Kasi po meron tayong listahan na credible," Bautista said.

Several LGUs have already pointed out that only a fraction of the families they identified as beneficiaries could be covered by the assistance from the national government.

Some lamented that only less than half of their beneficiaries were able to receive the P5,000 to P8,000 cash aid.

"As we continue to engage the LGUs… we were able to identify and determine what are the gaps and the shortcomings," Bautista said.

Bautista later said that it was "not time for the blame game."

"This is an opportunity for us to show to our people that we are worth a public servant and only looking after the welfare of our brothers and sisters," he said. -NB, GMA News