DIPOLOG CITY — On Tuesday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted the second round of distribution of cash assistance to micro rice retailers in ZDN Convention Center, Estaka, Dipolog City.

The second round of distribution was done following the first round held in Zamboanga del Sur, with a turnout rate of 100% where all 86 beneficiaries included in the validated list were given PHP15,000 each. Likewise, the second round generated 100% turnout rate where 171 beneficiaries were given cash assistance through the DSWD.

The second batch of beneficiaries included retailers holding a valid business license or permit issued by the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and those actively involved in the sale or offering of Regular Milled Rice (RMR) and Well-Milled Rice (WMR) at the time of the surveillance or monitoring.

Further, retailers registered under the DTI as sole proprietors or under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as partnerships or corporations actively engaged in the sale or offering of RMR and WMR rice during the surveillance or monitoring were also included.

In her message, Assistant Regional Director Maridel Dengal emphasized that, “DTI is committed to supporting the national government in helping affected micro rice retailers following the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. As ordered by Secretary Pascual, our teams are working hard on a day-to-day basis to efficiently distribute assistance to all beneficiaries.” ♦

Date of release: 14 September 2023