THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), led the simultaneous distribution of cash assistance to qualified micro retailers across Eastern Visayas on September 11-12, 2023.

As mandated by Executive Order 39, the DTI is in charge of identifying and verifying the target beneficiaries for the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Assistance (SLP) (cash assistance for micro rice retailers) through the provision of a list that was coordinated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the local government unit’s Business Permits and Licensing Offices.

Through the SLP, a total of 67 qualified micro rice retailers received P15,000 pesos each.

The DTI confirmed that these beneficiaries are also compliant with the guidelines established in identifying the recipients of cash assistance from the DSWD.

The DTI Eastern Visayas assured the public that it will continue working with the National Government in providing assistance to affected micro rice retailers while also conducting day-to-day monitoring activities to protect consumers and ensure compliance with the price cap. (PR)