Erwin Tulfo eyes instant release of cash aid in some DSWD programs

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo on Monday said he wants some cash assistance under the agency to be released to beneficiaries instantly.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Tulfo lamented that beneficiaries have to return to government offices to claim their assistance due to excessive requirements.

“Ang gusto kong mangyari sana, ora mismo, ngayong araw din mailabas mo ang kapamilya o kamag-anak mo o kailangan mo ng burial at kailangan nang bayaran ang punerarya, kailangan ngayon din ho ay mabayaran na,” he said.

(What I want to happen is to release the assistance instantly so that you can have your family or relatives discharged [from hospital] or pay for their burial immediately.)

Tulfo said he would like to reduce the requirements for availing assistance from the department.

P500 cash aid

Meanwhile, Tulfo said the distribution of the P500 cash aid for poor families under the DSWD program has already started.

He said P500 will be given to 12.4 million beneficiaries. The cash aid will be released to 1.2 initial beneficiaries every day within seven to eight days.

The Department of Budget and Management released more than P6 billion for the targeted cash transfer (TCT) program. —KG, GMA News