Rice outlets for Pantawid beneficiaries

CEBU CITY – Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) can buy rice from any retailer using the money given to them by the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD Director for Central Visayas Ma. Evelyn Macapobre made the pronouncement following reports that 4Ps beneficiaries in Santa Fe town in Bantayan Island, Cebu, were forced to buy rice from a single source within the venue of the distribution of cash assistance.

The incident became more controversial when some of those who consumed the rice claimed they fell ill, arousing suspicion that it was fake rice. The National Food Authority (NFA) said the fake rice report was not confirmed.

“The rice subsidy is in the form of cash and Pantawid beneficiaries have the freedom to choose where to buy the staple food of their choice. We understand that some would like to have rice, others corn or even root crops,” Macapobre said.

On the other hand, there are beneficiaries of the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program who have organized themselves into Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) and are engaged in business like selling rice.

Pantawid beneficiaries may or may not buy from these associations, Macapobre said. The DSWD is urging the SLPAs who sell rice to get their supplies from licensed retailers.

Macapobre reminded all the workers of Pantawid Pamilya and Sustainable Livelihood Program to follow strictly the guidelines on implementing the rice subsidy. (Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.)