Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao lauded this initiative saying that this could help small rice retailers get through with their losses as they comply with the directive of the President.

She also told them to make the most of what they received from the government and be an inspiration to others by managing their business well.

DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Provincial Team Leader Noli Valenzuela said that DSWD has released P300,000 during the initial payout covering at least 20 rice retailers in the 

Municipality of San Jose de Buenavista receiving P15,000 each.

Under the Economic Recovery Subsidy of SLP, the succeeding payouts, according to Valenzuela will be done within the month as the list is generated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as per guidelines set by the program.

DTI Provincial Director Mutya Eusores, said that this endeavor is just a temporary response of the government while the price of rice is still high and to ensure the availability and affordability of rice to the consuming public. But with the coming harvest season, market conditions are expected to stabilize.

Gina Coronica, one of the rice retailers of San Jose Tradetown, who is among the first beneficiaries to receive a cash subsidy, expressed her gratitude to the government for the help she got that could go a long way in putting her business afloat despite some challenges.

Likewise, a young entrepreneur Jan Luden Espinosa said that the assistance he received would be used to buy additional stocks for his newly established rice retailing business.

For the part of Edilberto Jabile, Grains Retailer Confederation – Antique Chapter