The distribution for the first tranche of the emergency subsidy assistance through the Social Amelioration Program in Western Visayas is nearing completion, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In Monday’s virtual presser of the DSWD Field Office VI, Regional Director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre said that a total of 1,097,134 family beneficiaries have already received their SAP assistance through their local government units (LGUs), with only less than five percent yet to be paid.
The region has a total of 1,153,784 target beneficiaries who are non Pantawid members.
Macapobre added that the agency have already provided P6,582,804,000 SAP assistance as of 12 noon of May 18.
With its near completion, Macapobre commended the local social welfare and development officers as well as barangay workers for their help in the SAP implementation.
“We commend all their efforts and sacrifices in the implementation of our program,” she said.
Meanwhile, of the 133 LGUs, 92 have completed their SAP distribution while 41 still continue their payout.
Included in the 92 are four LGUs that have already completed their payout but have listed lesser number of beneficiaries, added Macapobre.
These LGUs include the towns of Badiangan and Dingle in Iloilo; and Dumalag and Ivisan in Capiz.
She further said that these LGUs just have to refund the excess amount to DSWD. The fund will also be reverted to the Bureau of Treasury.
However, she pointed that these LGUs have to ensure that there is no left out beneficiaries in their town anymore.
Meanwhile, among the LGUs that have completed their distribution, 48 have submitted their liquidation report, which is a necessary document for the conduct of validation, added Macapobre.
Aside from SAP assistance, the DSWD also provided family food packs to different LGUs.
As of May 15, a total of 65,358 family food packs were distributed to LGUS in the region with a total worth of P25,178,715, the agency reported.
Macapobre also reiterated the importance of safety during Monday’s virtual presser.
“The risk of getting sick with Covid-19 is still there. We encourage everyone na dapat mas doble ang gagawing pag-iingat sa mga panahong ito. As we embrace the new normal, we should be more cautious,” she stressed.#dswdfo6