THE City of San Fernando (CSF) was chosen as the pilot city for the implementation of the Unconditional Cash Transfer or Tax Reform Cash Transfer (UCT/TRCT) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with Land Bank of the Philippines.
Over the weekend, a total of 733 social pensioners in the city received P2,400 each, equivalent to P200 per month, as initial cash grants for the first year of the said program.
The beneficiaries will receive an increased subsidy of P3,600 in 2019 and 2020 or P300 per month.
DSWD Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo said the UCT/TRCT is a component of the national government’s Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) that seeks to help the poor to cope with its economic impact.
“We want to cushion a bit the effect of increasing prices of basic goods to help senior citizens. Even if it is not that big, we hope it will help them in their daily needs,” she said.
In his speech, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago expressed his gratitude to the national government for choosing the Fernandinos as the first beneficiaries of the said program which is truly helpful.
“I am very happy about the support of the government in programs for the poor and elderly. We are one with them in uplifting the lives of every Filipino,” he added. (PR)