4th district indigents to benefit from rice subsidy program

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) has extended P9.3 million cash assistance to 3,196 indigent individuals and families in Cebu’s Fourth District under its Rice Subsidy Program for Small-Scale Farmers and Fisherfolk.

DSWD-7 Regional Director Evelyn Macapobre informed Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon about the financial assistance provided for small-time fisherfolks and farmers in his district.

In her letter addressed to the congressman, Macapobre said they have given cash pay-outs for small-time fisherfolk and farmers in the towns of Tabogon with 1,049 beneficiaries, Medellin with 516 beneficiaries, Tabuelan with 100 beneficiaries, San Remegio with 1,211 beneficiaries and Daanbantayan with 320 beneficiaries.

Macapobre said each beneficiary receives P2,937.00 each or P267.00 per day for the four-day training activity about food production and enhancement on methods of farming and fishing along with seven days of community & environment related work.

According to DSWD, since the rice subsidy program started in May 2011, some 678,621 small-scale farmers and fishermen nationwide have undertaken Cash-for-Training and Cash-for-Work (CFT/W).

The DSWD has released P1.44 billion for the rice subsidy of the beneficiaries so far out of the program’s P4 billion budget allocation.

Under this program, beneficiaries undertake cash for training on disaster management and mitigation, including family and community preparedness.

The training program is held for four days where they undertake the Cash-for-Work program for seven days performing community service, such as cleaning of canals and drainages, repair of roads, and other structures.

The beneficiaries receive payment upon completion of their CFT/Work activities based on the prevailing regional wage rate in their respective areas. — (FREEMAN)