Romualdez says House partners with DSWD for rice, cash aid; program starts next week
Martin Romualdez (Photo from House of Representatives Website/congress.gov.ph)
THE House of Representatives and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide cash assistance in the coming days to promptly address the issue of poverty across the nation due to the high prices of rice and other commodities.
The “Malaya Rice Project” is set to begin in Metro Manila next week, benefiting over 3 million individuals nationwide, including those in the low-income sector, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single parents, and indigenous people.
According to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, “This is an initiative of the House and the DSWD to immediately help our fellow countrymen who are struggling while the government works on long-term solutions to hunger and expensive goods.”
“As I mentioned before, the government understands the hardships of our fellow countrymen, so we are taking immediate steps to alleviate their suffering,” the Speaker added.
Under this program, each beneficiary will receive P1,500 in cash assistance. P570 of this cash assistance is intended to purchase 15 kilograms of rice, priced at only P38 per kilogram. The affordable rice will be sold outside the payout centers on that day.
The remaining P930 can be used for their other needs and expenses.
Beneficiaries will come from various congressional districts in the Philippines based on a list submitted by congressmen.
“The government will not cease to assist the poor during these times because they need our help more than ever,” Romualdez assured.
He further emphasized, “We will always be here, ready to respond to their needs.”
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
