Distribution of second tranche cash aid 98% done, says DSWD

Around 98% of the second tranche of cash aid distribution under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) has already been accomplished, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In a public briefing on Thursday, Undersecretary Rene Glen Paje said around 13.9 million beneficiaries  received the subsidy dedicated for families hit by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Nasa P83.5 billion na po 'yung ating napamigay sa mga beneficiaries. Kabuuan po nito, nasa 13.9 million na beneficiary-families na ang ating nabigyan sa SAP 2,” Paje said.

“Kasalukuyan po 98% na ang accomplishment rate natin para sa ikalawang yugto ng SAP,” he added.

There are 14.3 million beneficiaries for the second tranch of cash aid amounting to P94.5-billion. According to Paje, the DSWD is exerting all efforts to complete the distribution.

However, Paje said the remaining beneficiaries have some issues like duplication in record and lack of personal information provided.

“Ang mga natitirang benepisyo na lang po ay binubuo ng mga beneficiaries na sinasabi nating duplicates,” he said.

“Ganun din ang mga beneficiaries na  may quality issues o may information na hindi tama. Meron ding mangilan-ngilan na beneficiaries na nasa hard to reach or geographically isolated areas,” he added.

Under SAP, the government provides households at least P5,000 to P8,000 cash assistance.

Data presented by the DSWD showed that the first tranche benefitted 17.9 million households, equivalent to P99.9 billion disbursed. It was released from April to June.

In September, DSWD said some P10 billion remains unspent after the number of cash aid beneficiaries under the SAP was reduced by 4 million.

According to Secretary Rolando Bautista, savings were generated after only 14 million Filipino households out of the 18 million target were given assistance under the second tranche of SAP.

The 10 billion remaining budget is eyed to utilize for other programs, according to DSWD. --KBK, GMA News