‘P2.3-B out for SAP’s 2nd tranche’ –DSWD

ILOILO CITY—To date, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI has released more than P2.3 billion for the second tranche of its Social Amelioration Program (SAP) here.

According to Dir. Ma. Evelyn Macapobre, as of Sept. 8, they have paid a total of P2,318,623.00 and served 409,749 beneficiaries from Iloilo province, Iloilo City and Bacolod City.

Of this, 103,608 are members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who received P4,650 top-up SAP on their P1,350 monthly rice and health subsidy. Some 306,141 non-Pantawid beneficiaries also received their P6,000 SAP cash grants.

“Instead of downloading the funds to the local government units, the DSWD adapted the mixed payout scheme for the distribution of the second tranche,” Macapobre said.

Macapobre said some of the non-Pantawid families received their cash grants thru direct payments while others are via digital payout.

For its digital payout, the agency has partnered with Starpay and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC).

DSWD 6 has also done direct payouts with its special disbursing officers supported by the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Macapobre said only beneficiaries from the three areas were qualified for the second tranche per guidelines in the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2, series of 2020.

Per JMC 2, only areas under enhanced community quarantine up to May 15, 2020 are qualified for the second tranche.

Macapobre said digital payout for the remaining second tranche beneficiaries is still ongoing.

“We are reminding the beneficiaries to observe social distancing, wear face mask and face shield, bring alcohol and do constant hand-washing. Let us not compromise our safety when going out. If elderly, pregnant or with disability, your representatives—listed either no. 1 or 2 in your SAC form—can get your SAP cash grant,” she said.

DSWD also paid a total 187,507 additional or waitlisted families in the region — 145,933 for the first tranche and 41,574 for the second tranche.

Each beneficiary received the P6,000 SAP cash grant and paid a total subsidy of P1,125,042,000. (DSWD 6)