DSWD to distribute 2nd SAP tranche directly to families

The DSWD is preparing to distribute the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash subsidy to approximately 8.5 million low-income families in Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) areas and an additional 3.5 million from the waitlisted group.

A Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2 series of 2020 is being finalized to outline the guidelines for the second phase of SAP distribution.

DSWD Undersecretary Rene Glen Paje stated that the agency aims for a faster and more orderly distribution of the second tranche, learning from the challenges of the first payout.

Unlike the first tranche, the SAP funds for the second distribution will not be downloaded to local government units (LGUs), with the DSWD taking the lead in distributing the cash subsidies directly to beneficiaries.

This directive for the DSWD to lead the distribution followed complaints regarding irregularities in the first SAP payout.

Specific areas identified for the second tranche include Region III (except Aurora), NCR, CALABARZON, Benguet, Pangasinan, Iloilo, Cebu Province, Bacolod City, Davao City, Albay Province, and Zamboanga City.

The DSWD is exploring innovative methods to improve protocols and will seek assistance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly female soldiers, for distribution in geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas.