Navotas City Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez, who welcomed the city’s rice retailers in behalf of Mayor John Rey Tiangco, said the local government is also finding ways to ease their financial burden. Some 161 micro and small rice sellers received financial assistance from the national government on Monday, September 11, 2023, at the Navotas Sports Complex. (PIA-NCR photo)
MANILA, (PIA) — National and local governments on Monday led the distribution of P2.415 million cash assistance to some 161 micro and small-scale rice retailers in Navotas City, who face challenges due to the recent imposition of price ceilings.
Rice retailer Evangeline De Roxas receives DSWD’s cash aid amounting P15,000 to cushion the adverse effects of Executive Order 39, or the temporary imposition of a rice price ceiling. (PIA-NCR photo)
“Malaking bagay na ‘to, bale may ilang cavan na rin itong maidadagdag sa pampuhunan (This is a big help, as we can purchase additional sacks of rice to add to our inventory),” said Evangeline De Roxas, a rice retailer who operates a small sari-sari store in Barangay Tanza Uno.
Roxas said the aid is a welcome development and the cash amount would now allow them to buy an additional 10 sacks of rice, amid the financial challenge imposed by the price ceiling.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Navotas City government, distributed P15,000 in financial aid to eligible rice retailers across select areas within the city at the Navotas Sports Complex. City Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez graced the event in behalf of Mayor John Rey Tiangco.
This initiative comes in response to the concerns earlier raised by rice retailers regarding the adverse effects of Executive Order 39, which established price limits of P41 per kilogram for regular milled rice and P45 per kilogram for well-milled rice. Many retailers expressed apprehension about the financial strain this price ceiling imposed on their businesses, as they may be forced to sell rice at a loss.
The DSWD has taken action to alleviate the financial burden faced by these small rice retailers. The cash assistance program, which began its rollout on Saturday, September 9, targeted rice retailers in public markets situated in Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, and San Juan.
Importantly, the DSWD said, rice retailers will not need to apply for this assistance, as their personnel will actively seek out eligible recipients to ensure they receive the support they require.
For his part, Sanchez said the local government would also be providing some form of assistance to rice sellers in the city in order to lessen any financial burden being experienced by them.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian earlier underscored the importance of a hands-on approach, saying, “The payout will be on the ground, meaning the DSWD paymasters will go to the marketplace where the rice retailers are.”
This approach reflects the DSWD’s commitment to efficient and accessible aid distribution.
The P15,000 cash assistance is designed to provide immediate relief to rice retailers and is expected to sustain them for at least seven days, considering the impact of the price ceiling.
The DSWD has coordinated closely with the DTI to determine the appropriate amount of assistance needed to support these retailers during this challenging period.
In addition to assisting rice retailers in public markets, the DSWD also extended support to sari-sari stores operating outside of these markets. These small mom-and-pop stores were made eligible for a P5,000 subsidy, sourced through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) implemented by the DSWD.
This inclusive approach aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive much-needed assistance.
It’s important to note that the cash subsidy will not be extended to supermarket and convenience store operators, as the program is specifically tailored to support small-scale rice retailers who face unique economic challenges.
The DSWD also remains committed to its mission of providing assistance to those in need, particularly during challenging times. This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to supporting small businesses and ensuring the welfare of rice retailers in Metro Manila. (PIA-NCR)
