- 24 Micro rice retailers receive rice subsidy
TWENTY-FOUR micro-rice retailers (MRRs) in the city received cash grants from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on the first day of subsidy release at the Almendras Gym.
The total cash released as of Sept. 13 amounted to P360,000 with each retailer receiving P15,000.
DSWD SLP partnership officer Florlito Alaba said there are 58 MRRs in the city alone, out of the 182 total MRRs in the region. The 58 grantees came from various public markets including Agdao, Bankerohan, Calinan, Mintal, Panacan, and Toril.
“So far, sa list nga gihatag sa DTI, kani pa lang nga mga markets ang naa (So far from the list given by DTI, only these markets are identified),” Alaba said.
Alaba also advised those retailers who were not able to claim their cash grant to proceed to the regional office.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI XI) endorsed the list to DSWD confirming that the qualified grantees were affected by the price ceiling set on Sept 5. in accordance with Executive No. 39.
The retailers were required to bring their business permit, and 1 valid ID (original and photocopied) for verification of their inclusion in the list that DTI provided. Afterward, they will undergo an interview and sign the SLP Profile form before they receive the cash assistance.
The retailers present in the cash grant release expressed different sentiments with the assistance.
Annie Abarico, a rice retailer from Toril Public Market, one of the recipients of the rice subsidy said that it is a relief for them.
“Dako pud syag tabang kay dako jud among nalugi, kalit-kalit kaayo, wa man tay mahimo, kay among mga stock utang baya ni sya,” Abarico said.
Felomina Amarado, also a retailer from Calinan Public Market, is grateful despite the small amount given to them compared to the loss.
“Kung hunahunaon, kulang gyud sya pero may nalang at least naay gamay,” Amarado said.
The rice subsidy payout was done simultaneously in other cities and municipalities in the region including Mati City, Panabo City, Kapalong, Cateel, Boston, and Manay.
The DSWD and DTI stressed that the retailers will be monitored from time to time to ensure that they utilize the cash assistance.
Apart from the 182 endorsed MRRs, Alaba said they are set to schedule cash grant release for the second batch of grantees as DTI XI identification is still ongoing.
