TARLAC CITY (PIA) -- A total of 37 micro rice retailers in Tarlac received cash aid amounting to P15,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

Sustainable Livelihood Program-Cash Assistance for Micro Rice Retailers aims to alleviate the losses incurred by retailers who purchased their rice supplies at higher prices before the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 39, which imposes a price cap on regular milled and well-milled rice.

DSWD Regional Office III Program Coordinator Wilma Gutierrez explained that the listed beneficiaries were monitored and certified by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as compliant to EO 39.

“While it is challenging to comply with the EO, we still thank you for following the imposed prices on regular milled and well-milled rice,” she told the recipients.  

Gutierrez explained that beneficiaries need to present a government-issued identification card and a copy of their business permit for verification. After which, the process includes profiling, releasing of financial aid, and photo documentation. 

Gutierrez emphasized that DSWD and DTI will monitor the beneficiaries to ensure the proper utilization of the cash assistance. 

For her part, DTI OIC-Provincial Director Florencia Balilo stated that the program aims to ease off the price of rice supply, and to aid micro rice retailers affected by the rice price cap.

“This program was launched to address the lack of access to low-priced rice. We hope that this assistance will help you overcome your losses due to the effects of the implementation of EO 39,” she said to the beneficiaries. 

DSWD and DTI are expected to distribute aid to other batches of qualified beneficiaries. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)