SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) - - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 1 and Trade and Industry (DTI) La Union, with the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and the City Government of San Fernando, distributed financial assistance, here, on September 13.

The cash assistance aims to aid small rice retailers affected by Executive Order (EO) No. 39.

Personnel from DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) facilitated the 1st payout of P15,000 each to 47 qualified beneficiaries in the city, as determined by the initial list from the DTI.

The disbursement of the cash assistance is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to assist micro rice retailers in dealing with the impact of the EO, which puts a cap on the price of rice at P41 per kilo for regular milled rice and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice. 

The EO took effect on Sept. 5.

To address concerns related to rice price caps, hoarding, and illegal rice imports, the public is advised to visit the Department of Agriculture (DA) or its respective LGU.

In her message, Anniely Ferrer, Assistant Regional Director forOperations of DSWD Region 1, said, “Ang tulong na ito ay sana makatulong din sa inyong mga hanap buhay, sa inyong maliit na negosyo para po makatawid din po tayo ngayon sa pinagdadaanan nating crisis sa bigas.”

She also said rice retailers will not need to apply for this assistance, as their personnel will actively seek out eligible recipients to ensure they receive the support they require.

For her part, Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David said the provincial government would also be providing some form of assistance to rice sellers in the province to lessen any financial burden being experienced by them.

As he expressed his gratitude, Amante Adan, president of Rice Retailer Association of the city, said the cash aid from the government would really help him and other small businesses overcome the effects of the mandated price cap.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa mga nagbigay ng assistance, dahil malaking bagay po ito sa amin para mabawasan ang aming problema sa krisis sa bigas,” said Adan.

The DSWD vows to continue its mission of providing assistance to those in need, especially during challenging times. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)