THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Davao said there is a need to continue with the second tranche distribution of the social amelioration program (SAP) even if the region is now under the general community quarantine (GCQ) as some are still affected by the crisis.
DSWD-Davao information officer Kristelle May Cagatin said on Tuesday, May 26, that there are still families in the region who are still affected by the recent pandemic and in need the government’s subsidy.
“If we based solely sa assessment sa ground, we are aware na not all of the industries have resumed despite the transition,” Cagatin said.
She also said, “That’s why if there really is a second tranche, the department sees this as an opportunity to really be of help gyud sa atong mga pamilya nga nanginahanglan especially kadtong naa sa informal and low-income sectors (a great help for the families especially those informal to low-income sectors).”
Under the Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal As One law, 18 million low-income families in the country would receive SAP aid ranging from P5,000 to P8,000 for the two month-period that covered April and May. DSWD Davao is releasing P6,000 based on the minimum daily wage rate in Davao Region.
In a Laging Handa public briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has given the concerned government agencies a go signal to start the distribution of cash assistance for the second tranche. But he said that it will only be limited to low-income families living in areas under ECQ and modified ECQ due to limited funds.
Cagatin, meanwhile, said if Davao Region will not be included in areas that can proceed with the SAP distribution, DSWD still has two other programs -- Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and the Livelihood Assistance Grants (LAG) -- that can be availed by the affected families.
“So if wala nay second tranche, naa pay another component which is the LAG na pwede ma avail under DSWD. Also, other agencies have programs para matabangan ang mga tao na in need (If they will not be part of the second tranche, there is still DSWD’s LAG and other cash subsidy programs of other government agencies that they can avail of). Even the local government units have their own initiatives,” she said.
She added that it is not only DSWD that gives cash aid to low-income households but also other agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) and the Department of Finance (DOF).
“As you can see, the second tranche of the emergency subsidy is only one of the many programs and services of the government as a whole,” Cagatin said.
Meanwhile, DSWD Davao is urging the public to wait for the official directive from the national office whether there will be a second tranche of SAP. They are hoping that the guidelines will be available within next week.