THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is warning the public especially the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program against unscrupulous individuals who are circulating fake P500 and P200 bills.

The warning came after one Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary from Badiangan, Iloilo reported that her P500 bill was found fake when she intended to use it as payment for her groceries in one store in Iloilo City. The incident happened two days after the beneficiary received her cash grant from the Program worth P4,400.

DSWD Field Office VI Regional Director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre said unscrupulous individuals might take advantage of the Program beneficiaries’ unfamiliarity to the genuineness of the money bills changed to them.

“It is important that the beneficiaries immediately report to the proper authorities if they get hold of fake money bills and for them to remember the last person, store or establishment that they had money exchanges. They could even solicit the help of our City and Municipal Links to help report these cases,” Macapobre said.

The DSWD leads the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Under the Program, beneficiaries could avail of P500 per month as assistance for health and nutrition, and P300 per school month per child for education.

The cash grants are released every two months through the Land Bank of the Philippines and its conduits – rural banks and the Philpost.

Beneficiaries could avail of the cash grant provided that they comply with the following conditions: availing of regular health care services, be attended by a trained or professional health worker during child birth, posting at least 85 percent school attendance among children aged three to 14 years old; and attending to monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS). (DSWD6/Alma L. Jornadal)