AGUSAN DEL SUR — Hundred percent of verified micro rice retailers received cash assistance as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continue to conduct subsidy payouts to micro rice retailers across Caraga region. 

On 14 September 2023, a total of 38 eligible beneficiaries from Butuan City, Surigao City, Tandag City, and San Francisco in Agusan del Sur received PHP15,000 each through the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (cash assistance for micro rice retailers). 

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government as the subsidy provides them financial aid while working with the government in the implementation of EO No. 39. 

Marivic Araa, one of the beneficiaries from Agusan del Sur said, “The subsidy is already a great help as this will help us purchase more sacks of rice, retaining the compliance to the imposed price ceiling. The money will be used to add to the capital of our retail store.” 

Meanwhile, Mercedita Sanora of Butuan City encouraged fellow retailers to comply with the price ceiling, “I am very thankful for the cash assistance that we received because it will greatly help us recover from our losses. This is a huge help to us. Since this is an order that has been implemented, even though we are just small retailers, we will follow what the EO requires.” 

DTI Caraga continues to conduct price monitoring and validation of eligible beneficiaries for the succeeding payout schedules. ♦

Date of release: 19 September 2023