DSWD-7 to procure P20M worth of food items for 1.3M households in CV

CEBU, March 31 (PIA) — Process is underway to procure P20-M worth of food items to be distributed to 1.3 million households in Central Visayas who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as provinces declare a lockdown of borders.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations Shalaine Marie Lucero of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) said once the food items are purchased, the next step is the packing of the over a million family food packs.

The distribution of the family food packs is part of the social amelioration program of the government under the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” as the government continues to battle the COVID-19 crisis.

The food package will consist of six kilos of rice, four cans of sardines and beef loaf or corn beef and coffee, said Lucero, adding that canned tuna and Energen packs will also be added.  

“First priority of the family food package will be the 4Ps recipients as they are considered the poorest of the poor,” said Lucero. 

Other qualified recipients are the senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant and lactating mothers, single mothers, distressed and reptriated overseas Filipino workers, indigenous people, homeless citizens, and the informal sector.

According to Lucero, the amount of the emergency subsidy program is between P5,000 to P8,000 and differs per region based on the minimum wage rate.

For Central Visayas, the amount is at P6,000 which is a combination of cash and food items.

The total amount of the family food package is pegged at P1,650, which will be subtracted from the overall P6,000 emergency subsidy.

The remaining amount will be distributed in the form of cash to the recipients, said the DSWD-7 assistant regional director.

Lucero said the emergency subsidy program will be good for two months for April and May, as each recipient will receive a total of P12,000 worth of government aid in the form of food items and cash.

Beneficiaries, however, cannot avail of double subsidy; meaning, once they receive from the DSWD, they can no longer avail of the subsidy or assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment or other government agencies, said Lucero.

“This is to ensure equitable distribution of government resources,” explained Lucero. (fcr/PIA7)

source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1037717