Duterte: DSWD faces challenges in implementation of COVID-19 cash aid

Exposure to COVID-19 cases and beneficiaries who do not observe precautionary measures are among the issues faced by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in its implementation of the emergency subsidy program for low-income households, President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday.

In his sixth weekly report, the President reported to Congress the challenges the DSWD—the lead implementing agency—has faced, following complaints of slow distribution.

The department also said that its personnel have received threats from local officials in some areas and slow processing by the local government units, especially at the barangay level, due to reports of politicizing or inaccurate lists of eligible beneficiaries.

Around 18 million low-income households and those in the informal sector will be targeted to receive monthly cash subsidies amounting to P5,000 to P8,000 for two months as mandated by the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Republic Act 11469).

As of May 1, the government had distributed the financial assistance to 10.29 million beneficiaries, representing 57% of the 18.04 million target beneficiaries across the country.

The government had already disbursed P98.053 billion for the program. Of this amount, P54.647 billion had been received by the beneficiaries.

To address restrictions on physical distancing during payout, the government has extended the distribution of the first tranche by seven days from the original April 30 deadline in densely populated areas and four days in other LGUs.

Duterte said the DSWD, in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, is currently developing an application which will allow beneficiaries to self-register and receive automated payments.

The DSWD has also inked agreements with electronic cash transfer solution providers to expedite the release of the financial assistance.

The government is adding five million more beneficiaries to the social amelioration program, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said last Saturday. — BM, GMA News