DSWD-6: Sharing, slashing of livelihood grant not allowed

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

For the record, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) does not allow “sharing or cutting of livelihood assistance grant (LAG) to an individual beneficiary.”

This, the agency clarified amid informal reports of an alleged scheme in Zarraga, Iloilo wherein LAG beneficiaries were allegedly coerced into giving a portion of their grant to set up kiosks.

On Tuesday, the DSWD-6 issued a press statement “to set the facts the facts clearly.”

Evangeline Felecio, DSWD-6 assistant regional director for administration, said the amount intended to 265 LAG beneficiaries totaled to P4.4 million. Only two recipients were not able to claim the aid.

“The amount was released directly to the individuals to provide movable, durable and presentable kiosks and capital assistance to them,” Felecio said in the press statement.

She also stressed several points relative to the LAG distribution.

* Whatever amount is related to the beneficiary (for LAG, it will be dependent on their project proposal but shall but exceed P15,000) should be solely used for the intended purpose.

* In the case of Zarraga beneficiaries, the purpose was for the establishment of the kiosks and for capital assistance as stated in the objected of the project proposal.

* The utilization of grants and identification of beneficiaries is based on the Livelihood Recovery Project Proposal of the LGU.

* On allegations of coercion the beneficiaries to share their aid received and to invest in putting up kiosks, the identified beneficiaries were not coerced but rather agreed to be part of the proposal project of the LGU. This investment and utilization of grants are both agreed by the beneficiaries and the LGU, the project proponent.

The DSWD said the establishments of the kiosks through the management of the livelihood association was decided and agreed upon by the beneficiaries.

Felecio added that the agency values the process of empowering the beneficiaries who are forming their associations to ensure sustainable gains.

“We also reiterate that each beneficiary will be required to submit a liquidation report of the assistance received,” she said adding that this the project implementation is properly monitored.

It can be noted that a LAG beneficiary in Zarraga claimed that he was photographed while receiving his P15,000 aid.

But after the photo session, someone from the Zarraga MSWDO allegedly asked for P7,500 claiming that it would be used to build kiosks.

He was not also given a receipt that the amount “taken” from him.

Before the payout took place, the beneficiary claimed that he signed a waiver signifying that they’re amenable to giving our half of their financial aid.

He added he was surprised to learn that only the second batch, which he belongs, have been told to give a portion of their cash aid.