DSWD confident LGUs will complete COVID-19 aid distribution by May 7

The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Wednesday expressed confidence that the emergency cash aid will be distributed to all beneficiaries by the May 7 deadline on Thursday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, DSWD Director Irene Dumlao said 72.3 percent or over 13 million of the 18 million target beneficiaries already received the aid.

“Buo po ang tiwala ng DSWD na ang mga local government units ay matatapos po nila ang kanilang pagsasagawa ng pay out,” Dumlao said.

At least 556 local government units already finished their distribution of emergency cash subsidy for households affected by the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019. 

The social amelioration program, forged in light of the COVID-19 impact, aims to distribute cash aid of up to P16, 000 to 18 million low income families nationwide in two months with a budget of P200 billion.

On Thursday, all SAP beneficiaries must all receive the up to P8,000 cash aid for the first tranche of distribution.

Dumlao said LGUs that have accomplished distributing the first tranche can proceed with the release of the second tranche.

Initially, the deadline of the cash aid distribution was scheduled in April but was moved to May 7, Thursday. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News