Gov’t readies cash roll out

BAGUIO City Congressman Marquez Go confirmed the release of the social

amelioration cash assistance to vulnerable sectors of society.

This includes persons with disabilities, senior citizens, pregnant mothers, homeless persons, 4P’s beneficiaries and informal workers.

Go said the move is in accordance with the newly signed law, Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which seeks to address the threats and impact of COVID-19 in the country.

“Based on the law that we passed, 18 million households is being targeted as recipients of the social amelioration cash cards and what they have to do is to fill up a form for them to be registered. Here in the region, a confirmed household is set to receive around P5,500,” Go said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Cordillera (DSWD -CAR) is tasked to distribute social amelioration cards in preparation for the distribution of cash assistance in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For those who want to avail of the financial aid, one must fill out and submit the social amelioration card to be included in the local government's list of beneficiaries.

According to the department, the card records the family profile and is supposed to be filled out by the head of the family. It contains details such as the number of individuals in the household, his or her occupation and average income.

“Beneficiaries may be asked to show proof of status, such as senior citizen’s ID for senior citizens, or barangay certification for homeless persons. DSWD will be giving out the cards to local government units, which in turn will distribute them to the barangay levels,” Go added.

The social amelioration card will be the basis of the government in providing the necessary assistance, aside from serving as proof that a beneficiary has received the cash aid from the LGU once released.

The social welfare department is still in the process of coordinating with LGUs on the schedule of submission of the list of beneficiaries and the distribution of cash aid.

DSWD will also give away food packs for families affected by the Covid - 19 crisis, which will be coursed through LGUs.