DSWD chief considers aid to Bacolod residents

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – Department of Social Welfare Development Secretary Rolando Bautista said that he recognizes the community quarantine classification of Bacolod City and the needs of the people will be considered for assessment and validation to determine their qualification to receive the emergency subsidy.

Bautista relayed this message in a letter to Bacolod Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya Thursday.

Bautista further said P588.858 million was given to 98,143 qualified beneficiaries in the first tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

Another 498.078 million is currently distributed to 83,013 beneficiaries.

Bautista also said that based on Bayanihan Act II, an allocation amounting to P6 billion pesos was allocated to DSWD for the implementation of its programs that will help those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

Earlier, Gasataya requested Bautista for additional help through cash assistance for qualified beneficiaries especially sectors directly affected by the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) on the city.

Gasataya said he brought this concern to Bautista during the budget briefing of the House Committee on Appropriations where he is the vice chairman.

The Bacolod solon said some P165 billion was intended for the campaign against COVID-19 under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 law.

Gasataya further said that cash assistance should be extended to families while the city is under MECQ until the end-September.