IATF apologizes for SAP subsidy distribution delays

The Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases apologized for the delays in the distribution of the emergency subsidy under the social amelioration program.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles stated that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is actively working to resolve issues such as security, beneficiary list reconciliation, and logistical challenges, especially for remote areas.

Nograles assured the public that beneficiaries will receive the correct amount of subsidy without deductions and that the government is doing its best to deliver the aid as soon as possible.

He urged local government units (LGUs) to submit the necessary documents, like the signed memorandum of agreement and budget proposal, to the DSWD to expedite the distribution process.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista reported that over P323 million has been released to 14,418 beneficiaries in the NCR, and significant amounts have also been transferred to LGUs and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Bautista mentioned that while distributing subsidies to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) members was smooth due to existing recipient lists, the DSWD faced challenges with other beneficiary categories.

He explained that the DSWD is collaborating with LGUs to identify and address gaps in beneficiary data and distribution processes, aiming for a systematic and orderly rollout.

The social amelioration program aims to assist families affected by the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine due to COVID-19, providing subsidies ranging from P5,000 to P8,000 to 18 million families.