KORONADAL CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clarified Wednesday despite the month-long suspension of Its program activities that require mass gathering of people, residents covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the region will continue to receive their grants and rice subsidy allowance amid the current crisis brought about by Covid-19.

The clarification, made by DSWD regional director Cezario Joel Espejo, comes after the agency temporarily halted all on-site payouts of thirteen major programs, including the 4Ps that has 226, 433 beneficiaries across the region. 

Dir. Espejo explained while Metro Manila- where the DSWD Central Office is located, is on total lockdown, beneficiaries  grants will be downloaded anytime and they can withdraw it from their cash cards in any Land Bank of the Philippines Automated Teller Machines  between March 24, 26, 28, and April 4.

“For those who have no cash cards, rest assured we are looking for other ways on how to distribute your money,” Dir. Espejo said.

The agency also waived the program conditions for the month of February and March as the country still trying to contain the effects of deadly  virus that originated in China, meaning there will be no deductions and beneficiaries will get full grants.

Aside from 4Ps, the DSWD said clients in need of medical and burial assistance can still avail under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), a program that serves as a social safety net or a stop-gap measure to support the recovery of individuals and families suffering from unexpected life events or crisis.  (JBM / DSWD)