Sari-sari store owners get cash aid starting today

MANILA, Philippines — Starting today, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be distributing the cash aid to sari-sari store owners affected by the caps imposed on the prices of rice.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said these sari-sari store owners stand to receive P15,000 in cash assistance under the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), provided that they comply with the price ceiling for well-milled and regular milled rice.

“The one-time SLP-cash assistance program will continue to reach impacted rice retailers, including those small businesses and sari-sari stores,” he added.

Under the program, sari-sari store owners who sell rice within the price cap and whose business is registered in the Business Permit and Licensing Office of their respective local government units (LGUs) will be prioritized by the DSWD and Department of Trade and Industry.