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MSU blast victims receive medical, burial assistance
In response to the bomb explosion at the Dimaporo Gymnasium of Mindanao State University–Main Campus in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, victims received medical and burial assistance. Officials from the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and other Bangsamoro Government agencies, including Barmm Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Hadj Murad” Ebrahim, visited victims at hospitals. Six patients received financial aid through MSSD’s Bangsamoro Critical Assistance for Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations program. Additionally, injured patients at the MSU Infirmary received financial aid for transportation and medical needs. The MSSD workforce also visited the bereaved families of the deceased victims to provide cash assistance and support. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support will be provided for MSU-Main Campus Marawi students, and interventions for deceased victims' families will be determined by MSSD. Officials from various agencies, including the university and security sector, held a meeting and inspected the site of the incident. Related stories include the naming of MSU Marawi bombing suspects and statements from officials condemning the attack......»»
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Searching for cash assistance can be a daunting task, especially for those with poor credit scores. But you should not worry – thanks to advances.....»»
Speaker Romualdez: Serbisyo Caravan to bring P500M worth of programs cash aid to Isabela Province
THE Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was launched Saturday in the Province of Isabela, bringing a total of P500 million worth of programs and cash assistance to the citizens of the province from November 25 to 26. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who represented President Marcos, said the BPSF […].....»»
761,14 delisted 4Ps families to get aid anew
At least 761,140 family-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps who were delisted from the program from January to September will receive cash assistance again......»»
46,456 Malabon residents get Christmas cash aid
At least 46,456 Malabon residents received early Christmas cash assistance from the city government yesterday......»»
FACT CHECK: DSWD has no scholarship program with P6,500 cash allowance
The social welfare department says it does not run scholarship programs but provides educational aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.....»»
DMW: ‘It’s our job’ to shoulder OFWs’ repatriation, accommodations
Department of Migrant Workers spokesperson Toby Nebrida said on Thursday that it is the agency’s job to fund the accommodation of overseas Filipino workers being repatriated to the country. The accommodations include lodging, free flights and services going back to the OFWs' home provinces. “It’s our job… regardless of status. They are in need, we help them. It’s our job. There's nothing difficult to understand in that,” Nebrida said. In August 2023, the Commission on Audit flagged the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for questionable expenses on the repatriation of 3,707 OFWs during the Covid-19 pandemic. The OFWs went home and availed of free flights, lodging and food multiple times from April 2020 to May 2023. Many of them were said to have used the program after their contracts expired. Aside from the accommodation assistance handed out by DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the repatriates received a total of P105,000 in cash assistance: P50,000 from DMW, P50,000 from OWWA and P5,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The post DMW: ‘It’s our job’ to shoulder OFWs’ repatriation, accommodations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Over 1,000 ‘nanay-tatay teachers’ of DSWD’s ‘Tara, Basa!’ program receive cash-for-work
Some 1,065 parents and guardians of struggling and non-reader elementary beneficiaries of the "Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program" of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) received their cash-for-work (CFW) during the payout at the Valenzuela City People’s Park on Wednesday, 25 October. Another 2,800 parents and guardians received their CFW as the payout continues yesterday and Friday, 26 to 27 October, in Valenzuela City. In exchange for attending "nanay-tatay" sessions, the parents and guardians are given a P235 fee per session. They received an amount ranging from P705 equivalent to three sessions for the month of September up to P2,585 for the combined 11 sessions for the months of August and September. Apart from attending 20 learning sessions, they are also required to assist their children in preparing their needs for learning and reading sessions and assist them in their after-reading session assignments. “The nanay-tatay session is one of the components of the tutoring program to strengthen the family and community support systems of the struggling and non-reader elementary students,” Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said. Avenger Charles, 39, from Caloocan City, said he is thankful that he became part of the "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program. “Maraming salamat po sa DSWD dahil bukod sa natulungan kaming mga magulang, natuto pang magbasa ang aking anak. Natutunan ko rin yung mga mabubuting pangangaral sa mga anak bilang isang magulang,(Thank you very much to DSWD because apart from helping us parents, my son also learned how to read. I also learned how to raise my children well as a parent.)” Avenger said. “Gagamitin ko po ang natanggap kong cash-for-work sa pang araw-araw na pangangailangan ng aking anak tulad ng baon niya at tsaka para sa lapis, ballpen, notebook, tsaka bag (I will use the cash-for-work I received for my son's daily needs such as his allowance and also for pencils, ballpens, notebooks, and bag),” Avenger added. Javinette, 22, said she will use the P1,180 she received, which is equivalent to eight nanay-tatay sessions, for the vitamins and school supplies of her children. “Malaking tulong po ang nanay-tatay sessions kasi marami pong ibang magulang na hindi alam kung paano disiplinahin ang mga anak nila, hindi alam kung paano pasunurin yung bata, hindi alam kung paano i-approach yung anak nila. Kaya napakalaking tulong po nito para matutunan din ng magulang kung paano nila maa-approach yung anak nila (The nanay-tatay sessions are very helpful because some parents do not know how to discipline their children, do not know how to teach their children to be obedient, or do not know how to approach their children. So it is very helpful for parents because we learned how to approach our children.)” Javinette explained. The "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program is a holistic social welfare and development model that creates an ecosystem of learning wherein college students will be capacitated and deployed as tutors to teach poor and non- or struggling readers in elementary. College students can also act as youth development workers (YDWs) who will conduct parenting and learning sessions for parents and guardians of elementary learners. The "Tara, Basa! is the reformatted educational assistance program of the DSWD that gives college students P610 a day for 20 days in exchange for being tutors or youth development workers and will provide P235 per day for parents who will attend the teaching sessions. The post Over 1,000 ‘nanay-tatay teachers’ of DSWD’s ‘Tara, Basa!’ program receive cash-for-work appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go calls on DSWD, concerned agencies to update list of indigent senior citizens
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized the need to update the list of indigent senior citizens, in accordance with Republic Act No. 11916. The said law also mandates an increase in the pension of indigent senior citizens -- from PHP500 to PHP1,000. RA 11916 or an Act Increasing the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens amended RA 7432, the first Senior Citizens Act. The law was co-authored by Go in the Senate. “This amendment is a step forward in ensuring a better quality of life for our senior citizens. It's crucial that we provide them with the necessary support to live comfortably,” Go said. “Nandiyan na ang batas. Dapat maimplementa ito ng maayos para mapakinabangan ng taumbayan lalo na ng mga matatanda na sakop ng batas na ito. Ibigay dapat ang nararapat sa kanila at huwag patagalin pa,” he stressed. Go then cited Section 6 of RA 11916 which mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), transitioning later to the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), to annually update and validate the beneficiary list with the aid of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the local government units. Go expressed his concern regarding the need to urgently update the list of beneficiaries, as the number of indigent seniors may have increased over time. "It's imperative that we review and promptly update the list of beneficiaries to ensure that the aid reaches the senior citizens who are truly qualified to benefit from the law," Go remarked. Go also co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2028, which was principally sponsored by Senator Imee Marcos. The bill aims to provide additional support to individuals who have reached the age of 80 and 90 years old. This proposal amends the Centenarian Act of 2016, acknowledging that not everyone reaches the milestone of a century. He emphasized the cultural significance of caring for the elderly in the country and highlighted the importance of providing them with financial support while they can still benefit from and enjoy it. “Nasa kultura na nating mga Pilipino na alagaan ang ating mga nakakatanda. Dapat natin silang suportahan at bigyan ng pagkilala. Habang kaya pang pakinabangan at ma-enjoy ng senior citizen ang cash gift, ibigay na natin sa kanila,” said Go. Just recently, the Office of Senator Go, together with United Senior Citizens Partylist Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, the Office of Senator Robin Padilla, and volunteer organizations, spearheaded an activity for senior citizens on Monday, October 16, during the United Senior Citizens Association-Quezon City (USCAQC) General Assembly held at White Twins Court, Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. Around 1,000 attendees were provided with essential goods from Senator Go such as grocery packs, snacks, and shirts while a select recipient likewise received a cellular phone. The participants were also given various forms of assistance from the participating offices to promote the welfare of the elderly. Meanwhile, Go urged senior citizens to utilize the services of Malasakit Centers for medical assistance they might need. Initiated by Go in 2018, the Malasakit Centers program was institutionalized under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which he principally authored and sponsored. There are now 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide that have helped more than seven million Filipinos. “Prioritizing the needs of the underprivileged, especially senior citizens, in public service delivery is paramount. Rest assured, I will continue to support programs aimed at improving the lives of the elderly,” concluded Go. The post Bong Go calls on DSWD, concerned agencies to update list of indigent senior citizens appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pinoy repatriates get needed aid
The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Sunday said it has provided assistance to the second batch of Filipino repatriates, who arrived in the Philippines from Israel on Friday. The second batch, composed of 18 individuals, were welcomed by Assistant Secretary for Statutory Programs Ada A. Colico together with other government officials upon their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. As of Saturday, a total of 34 overseas Filipino workers, have been assisted by the DSWD through the provision of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program and each repatriated OFW received P10,000 cash aid and food assistance worth P10,000. “The DSWD will continue to monitor the situation of our fellow Filipinos who arrived from Israel. We will also provide other augmentation support if needed,” said Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez. “We will also endorse them to their respective DSWD Field Offices for possible provision of additional services,” he added. Aside from the DSWD, the Department of Migrant Workers also vowed to provide livelihood, financial support, and job facilitation through its reintegration program. The post Pinoy repatriates get needed aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD aids more Filipino repatriates from Israel
The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Sunday said it has provided assistance to the second batch of Filipino repatriates who arrived in the Philippines from Israel on Friday, 20 October. The second batch, consisting of 18 individuals, was welcomed by Assistant Secretary for Statutory Programs Ada A. Colico, together with other government officials, upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. As of Saturday, 21 October, a total of 34 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been assisted by the DSWD through the provision of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Each repatriated OFW received P10,000 cash aid and food assistance worth P10,000. “The DSWD will continue to monitor the situation of our fellow Filipinos who arrived from Israel. We will also provide other augmentation support if needed,” DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said. “We will also endorse them to their respective DSWD Field Offices for possible provision of additional services,” Lopez added. Aside from the DSWD, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also vowed to provide livelihood, financial support, and job facilitation through its reintegration program. The post DSWD aids more Filipino repatriates from Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD assists bereaved family of Criminology student who died of hazing
The Department of Social Welfare and Development through its Field Office CALABARZON, expressed condolences and provided cash aid to the grieving family of Ahldryn Bravante, a criminology student who lost his life after undergoing fraternity-related hazing on Monday evening, 16 October. The DSWD CALABARZON extended P10,000 worth of cash assistance to the bereaved family and issued a guarantee letter to the funeral service provider, covering the hazing victim’s burial expenses amounting to P40,000 on Thursday, 19 October. DSWD CALABARZON Regional Director Dr. Barry Chua also offered educational assistance for Ahldryn’s two siblings and his 6-year-old daughter. “The loss of a loved one is an incredibly distressing and overwhelming experience, and the DSWD is committed to supporting families in their time of need,” Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez, who is also DSWD spokesperson, said. Digna Esguerra-Cabrera, Ahldryn’s grandmother, expressed her gratitude to the DSWD for providing necessary support to the family in the untimely demise of Ahldryn. “Malaking tulong po sa kanila yun sa gastusin. Hindi naman nila kakayanin yung gagastusin...talagang walang pagkukuhanan (That is a big help for them with the expenses. They would not be able to afford the costs...there’s really no other source.),” a teary-eyed Cabrera said. Aldhryn, a 25-year-old student of the Philippine College of Criminology and resident of Imus, Cavite, was subjected to hazing by a fraternity group in an abandoned building in Quezon City, based on the investigation report of the Quezon City Police Department. According to the DSWD spokesperson, the Department is committed to providing further assistance and support to the Bravante family and is working in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure that the family receives the necessary interventions. The post DSWD assists bereaved family of Criminology student who died of hazing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Muntinlupa scholars get cash aid
More than 10,700 scholars in Muntinlupa have received their financial assistance from the city government......»»
P12.7B cash aid to farmers is fruit of their labor , says lawmaker
Earlier, the release of P12.7 billion to fund a P5,000 cash aid for each of 2.3 million small rice farmers under the government's Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program had been approved. .....»»
BBM distributes rice, cash to Capiz residents
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of rice and cash aid to the vulnerable sector in the province of Capiz on Friday. In his speech, the President said that the government is taking steps to improve the lives of Filipinos by strengthening the country’s agriculture and expanding the benefits provided by other sectors. The President and the DSWD chief personally handed out the rice assistance and livelihood grants to the program beneficiaries of the Department at the Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City. Some 1,000 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program — 679 of whom were also affected by the red tide incident in the province — each received a 25-kilo sack of premium rice. The distributed rice is still part of the more than 42,000 sacks of rice seized by the Bureau of Customs, which was later donated to the DSWD for distribution to the “poorest of the poor.” “I am happy that our project is able to help many people. This simply means that our leadership is heading in the right direction,” said Marcos. Aside from the rice assistance, Marcos and Gatchalian distributed more than P1.7 million in seed capital funds to six Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations in the province of Capiz. The post BBM distributes rice, cash to Capiz residents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BFAR extends aid to bereaved families, survivors of Bajao de Masinloc incident
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has extended its condolences and immediate assistance to the families of three fishermen who died in a maritime incident off the waters of Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea. DA-BFAR National Director Atty. Demosthenes R. Escoto handed the Bureau’s P20,000 cash assistance and food packages to each bereaved family during his visit to the wake of the three fishermen on Thursday night in Calapandayan, Subic in Zambales. “Buong-pusong nakikiramay po ang BFAR sa inyo,” Director Escoto told them during his visit. “Alam po naming walang kahit anong tulong ang makakatumbas sa buhay ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay, pero nandito po ang aming ahensya para mag-abot ng paunang tulong at makagaan kahit kaunti sa inyong nararamdaman.” Escoto said the Bureau will also provide a scholarship for their children’s college education in Fisheries at any state college or university where they are qualified for admission. This covers tuition, monthly stipend, and thesis allowance until they finish the program. Scholars will also be prioritized by the DA-BFAR for employment. The 11 other survivors of the maritime incident each received P2,000 cash aid and food packs from the Bureau. In addition, the DA-BFAR has committed to assist in repairing the vessel that was damaged during the October 2 incident to help the affected fisherfolk resume their livelihood activities. The Bureau will also provide a brand-new 62-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) fishing boat to the Subic Commercial Operators Fishing Association Inc. to further equip them in fishing. Delma Morados, the association's vice president, received the award on behalf of the group Thursday night. Escoto told the families that additional livelihood packages such as post-harvest training and equipment would be given to them to help them through the Bureau’s regional office in Central Luzon, headed by Region 3 Regional Director Wilfredo M. Cruz. He also honored the sacrifices of the fishermen who perished in the incident — Benidecto V. Olandria, Dexter G. Laudencia, and Romeo L. Mejico Jr. “Malalim po ang respeto namin sa mga mangingisda ng Pilipinas, na itinuturing naming mga bayani at kasangga ng pamahalaan para masigurong may sapat na pagkain sa bansa,” Director Escoto said. “Ayaw po naming makakita ng mga mangingisda na namamatay habang nagsasakripisyo para sa kanilang pamilya at sa bayan kaya ikinalulungkot po namin ang nangyari at kaisa po ninyo kami sa paghahangad ng katotohanan at hustisya,” he added, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s assurance that the government will hold accountable those behind the tragic incident. The post BFAR extends aid to bereaved families, survivors of Bajao de Masinloc incident appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD, HOR to distribute rice, cash aid to 2.5 million poor Filipinos in next 2 weeks
2.5 million poorest of the poor will receive rice and financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and members of the House of Representatives within the next two weeks under the “Malaya Rice Project." The DSWD said the handing out of rice and financial aid will kick off in the National Capital Region in partnership with 33 lawmakers from NCR and the DSWD’s Field Office-National Capital Region, according to DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez. “The DSWD FO-NCR social workers will be the ones to distribute the rice and cash aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program of the Department,” Lopez, who is also a DSWD spokesperson, said during the Weekend Report aired live in DSWD’s Facebook account. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez met and agreed that the 33 NCR lawmakers will identify 10,000 indigent residents per congressional district who are eligible to receive rice assistance, which includes senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities. Each beneficiary will receive P1,000 and 15 kilos of rice worth P500 to P600, with the process taking less than a month, according to the Speaker. In a news conference on Thursday (5 October), Speaker Romualdez told House reporters that the rice distribution is in line with the program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring affordable and quality rice to the people, particularly those categorized as “poorest of the poor.” “Hindi ito one-shot deal. So this will be part of the program again, hand-in-hand with the DSWD using the AICS. And once it is successful, and I'm confident that it will be… we'll be able to replicate this and do further successive rounds of this,” Romualdez explained. Aside from the NCR, the “Malaya Rice Project” will also be implemented in Metro Cebu, Davao, and other highly urbanized areas where there are poor people in need of assistance. With more than 250 legislative districts in the country, the initial target of 10,000 recipients for each district will benefit at least 2.5 million Filipinos during the first round of the joint DSWD-HOR rice distribution and cash aid project. The post DSWD, HOR to distribute rice, cash aid to 2.5 million poor Filipinos in next 2 weeks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LandBank named best for financial inclusion
The Land Bank of the Philippines, or LandBank, was recognized by Kantar Philippines as one of 2023’s Best Philippine Brands under the “Banking” category for providing convenient, accessible and innovative banking services to unbanked and underserved Filipinos nationwide. Kantar conferred the award to LandBank for its strong brand of service, decades of empowering the underserved, and for advancing financial inclusion in the country through the accessibility of its integrated physical and digital banking services. The market research firm also highlighted the Bank’s efficient delivery of cash grants to beneficiaries of the National Government’s social amelioration programs, particularly the digital disbursement of financial assistance under the Conditional Cash Transfer Program. “This recognition is a testament to LandBank’s unwavering pursuit to reach and serve more Filipinos nationwide. We are continuously working towards the strategic expansion of our physical touchpoints and the enhancement of our digital channels to deliver exceptional and accessible banking service,” said president and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. In support of the National Government’s financial inclusion drive, LandBank has also onboarded 8.35 million Philippine Identification System, or PhilSys, registrants for their own transaction accounts, under the Bank’s co-location strategy with the Philippine Statistics Authority. The partnership aims to bank previously unbanked PhilSys registrants and grant them formal access to basic banking and other financial services. LandBank likewise has 1,111 agent banking partners, or ABPs, nationwide offering services such as cash out, cash in, fund transfer, bills payment, and opening and issuance of LandBank Agent Banking Cards in unbanked and underserved communities. The bank also offers individuals who have no capacity for operationalizing a regular deposit savings account to open a LandBank “Perang Inimpok Savings Option” or PISO account with only P1 as minimum initial deposit and up to a maximum of P50,000 account balance. As of end-August 2023, LandBank has opened 52,406 PISO accounts for unbanked and underserved Filipinos including students, public utility vehicle drivers, vendors, farmers and fishers. Kantar BrandZ report LandBank was recognized for its strong brand image in the Kantar BrandZ Philippine Report, which was based on a comprehensive survey conducted in 2022 covering 44 local brands across four categories — banks, communication providers, general retailers and beverages. Kantar is a global marketing and data analytics company that specializes in analyzing, understanding, and interpreting consumer behavior and trends. The 2023 Philippines Brand Awards is the first edition held by Kantar Philippines in the country to honor the top brands that bring value to the lives of Filipino consumers. The post LandBank named best for financial inclusion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Basilan Abu Sayyaf members surrender
ISABELA CITY, Basilan Province — At least 14 individuals believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to authorities recently and turned over their high-powered firearms after their leader succumbed to bullet wounds a few days after they had an encounter with state troops. The intensified counter-terrorism campaign of the 101st Infantry (Three-Red Arrows) Brigade also pressured the former ASG gunmen in Basilan to surrender on Wednesday. Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, 101st Infantry (Three-Red Arrows) Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, immediately presented the ASG surrenderers to Join Task Force Orion commander Maj. Gen Ignatius Patrimonio in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City. Luzon identified the former ASGs as Absar Amana alias Tarih; Najer Lakibul alias Black; Etang Awal alias Kaet; Masber Hoben alias Halifa; Tot Awal alias Abu Daud; Omar Salim Awal alias Omar; alas Matsur: a certain Oto; Datu; Iroy; Hariya Palinta; Puran Abuhon; Aksan M. Mijan and Ngut. They turned over at least 13 high-powered firearms which include five M16 Rifles: one M653, two M14 Rifles: one M1 Garand Rifle; two M79 Grenade launchers and two 9MM Intratec TEC-KG9 Assault Rifles. The former ASGs were previously operating under Basilan-based ASG-sub leader Pasil Bayali, who reportedly succumbed to death due to wounds he incurred during an earlier skirmish with the government troops in undisclosed forested areas in the province. Bayali’s death apparently had thrown the other ASG members in disarray, forcing them to bend over to the folds of the law. “The voluntary surrender of the 14 former ASGs demonstrated the success of collaboration among Local Government Units, the military and the communities,” said Luzon. As part of the reintegration program, the 14 former ASGs will go through the standard deradicalization process before being reintegrated into society and enjoying the peaceful ways of life. The 14 former ASGs are eligible for cash assistance to help them transition back to normal life as part of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government. The post Basilan Abu Sayyaf members surrender appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos gov’t pledges action on high food prices
High food prices in the Philippines have pushed inflation to a five-month peak, officials said Thursday, increasing pressure on the government to stop the country's neediest going hungry. Farming subsidies and food stamps for the poor are among government efforts to rein in or mitigate price increases, which have dented the popularity of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "The government is committed to providing targeted assistance to affected vulnerable segments of the population while food prices remain elevated," Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement announcing last month's consumer prices data. The inflation rate of 6.1 percent was up from 5.3 percent a month earlier. Last month Marcos put a controversial price cap on rice, a national staple, to support poor households. He lifted the price controls on Wednesday, saying the ongoing harvest was easing pressure on supply. Balisacan cited a food stamps program launched last week, the country's first, that provides 3,000 pesos ($53) a month for select "food poor" households, as well as families with pregnant women or nursing mothers. He said the government was also giving a 10,000-peso cash subsidy to 78,000 farmers, a separate 5,000-peso financial aid to rice farmers and fuel subsidies to more than 74,000 public utility vehicles. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said increasing inflation was particularly linked to rice prices, crop damage from typhoons earlier this year and a weakening peso that hiked import prices. Rice is a staple in the country of 110 million people, but the nation cannot produce enough and is one of the world's top importers of the grain. Marcos suffered a 15-point drop, to 65 percent, in his popularity rating in a nationwide poll by the Manila-based independent outfit Pulse Asia last month, compared with June. The survey was made after the president imposed rice price controls. A separate poll showed inflation was the top concern among those surveyed. The post Marcos gov’t pledges action on high food prices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»