LGUs urged to opt for door-to-door SAP payout

The head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated that door-to-door delivery of Social Amelioration Program (SAP) is still the most preferred manner of distributing the assistance.

“We cannot compromise the safety and health of the people,” DSWD-6 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said.

Macapobre has repeatedly made the call in the agency’s virtual press briefings since mid-April.

“Reports have reached us that there are LGUs conducting payout without following safety protocols. We would like to remind them and the beneficiaries as well that COVID-19 remains a threat,” Macapobre said.

Based on Memorandum Circular 09 Series of 2020, one mode of delivery which is allowed by the agency is door-to-door. Another is through Distribution Points.

“However, when conducting payout through Distribution Points, this must be in very small groups only. There should be a hand washing area. Soap and running water must be available. It is also recommended that alcohol and sanitizers will be made available,” she emphasized.

“Everyone, both implementers and beneficiaries, must wear a mask and there should be a one-meter distance between persons.”

As of 8pm of Monday, all 133 LGUs have either completed or started payout in their areas.

A total of 688,497 family beneficiaries were able to receive their SAP cash grant amounting to P4.1 billion.

“As we help each low-income family thrive in this pandemic, let us always put their safety as a paramount consideration,” Director Macapobre stressed.  (DSWD-6)