MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--In a collaborative effort to provide financial assistance to nine micro rice retailers in the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia within Bukidnon province, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bukidnon joined forces in distributing Economic Relief Subsidy (ERS) cash aid amounting to P15,000 for each eligible beneficiary.

This economic assistance intends to support compliant retailers to the government's mandated rice price cap under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order No. 39.

These resilient rice retailers, six from Malaybalay and three from Valencia City underwent the stringent verification process led by the DTI, cross-referencing their names with the DTI-endorsed list to confirm their eligibility for the subsidy and ensure that only rightful beneficiaries are included.

This initiative underscored the government's commitment to supporting local businesses, especially those that play a critical role in ensuring the availability and affordability of rice, a staple food for Filipinos.

In line with this, Lowell Cornejo of DSWD's National Program Office said the department will continue monitoring the beneficiaries to ensure compliance with EO 39.

This order establishes a price ceiling on rice, specifically setting regular-milled rice at P41 per kilogram and well-milled rice at P45 per kilogram. Its goal is not only to offer financial assistance but also to urge retailers to maintain affordable rice prices for the community.

"While EO 39 remains in force, DSWD has taken action to provide financial aid to impacted micro rice retailers by utilizing the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). The DSWD's responsibility is to distribute the subsidy through the SLP, while the DTI has been entrusted with the task of identifying and certifying beneficiaries," Cornejo said. 

Isidra Bernal, proprietor of Bernal Rice Store and a beneficiary of the ERS program, extended her gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for recognizing the significance of micro rice retailers during this crisis.

"Dako kaayo among pasalamat sa atong mahal nga Presidente kay iya gyud ming gihatagan og pagtagad. Kining P15,000 bisan dili man kini makatapal sa among mga gansi, pero sa ngalan nga kami gihatagan og pagtagad sa atong gobyerno, dako na among kalipay [We are very grateful to our dear President because he really paid attention to us. We are very happy knowing that the government extended aid even if this P15,000 doesn't cover all of our losses]," Bernal said. 

Meanwhile, DTI-Bukidnon Provincial Director Famelah Raquel Villanueva encouraged all micro rice retailers in Bukidnon province to comply with EO 39.

The ERS cash aid provided much-needed financial relief to these nine micro rice retailers and reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating an environment where small businesses can thrive while maintaining the affordability of essential commodities like rice. As these retailers continue their important work, they can do so with the assurance that their dedication is recognized and supported by their government and fellow Filipinos, Villanueva added. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)