The reality of the DSWD social improvement program in the Philippines

Pursuant to the provisions of RA 11469, Section 4, paragraph (c) of the Republic Law (RA), an emergency subsidy for low-income households for a minimum amount of five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) up to a maximum Eight thousand pesos (P8,000) per month for two (2) months will be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The purpose of which is to cover basic necessities such as food, medicine and toiletries during the enhanced community quarantine to combat the spread of the Corona virus.

The implementation process of the Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP) or the Social Improvement Program (SAP) are set out in Joint Memorandum Circular 1, Series of 2020. The subsidy will be computed based on current regional minimum wage rates. and the subsidy received from the current conditional cash transfer program and the rice subsidy will be taken into account and in the compilation of the emergency subsidy.

This program is supposedly aimed at families with at least one member belonging to vulnerable/disadvantaged sectors. This group includes seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant and lactating women, single parents, distressed Overseas Filipinos, destitute indigenous peoples, people at the poverty line, homeless citizens, informal economy workers, and stranded workers.

As published in The Manila Times dated April 11, 2020 by Al S. Vitangcol, the statement by a senator who quoted that this social improvement program is for everyone stems from the fact that if the estimated population of the Philippines is out of 100 million, about 10 million or 10% are abroad; therefore, there are 90 million (90%) citizens at the time of the quarantine period. With an average household of five members, there will be 18 million households.

Taking these data into account, it can be seen that the 18 million households were calculated from the estimated population of the Philippines; make everyone a recipient of the ESP (or SAP).

However, during the survey, I was the first to be interviewed in our purok. As a single parent I was very happy and hopeful that maybe I could be one of the recipients as I am truly qualified to apply for cash aid. I work as an independent researcher. I travel, but during the enhanced community quarantine, I’m finding it difficult to travel anymore, which puts my current projects on hold.

So from March 2020 to the present, I am no longer earning. Although I only have two children, it is a bit difficult to support their needs, especially their studies. My oldest son, who is in senior high school, has an online class. Since he’s one of the top ten in the class, he really doesn’t want to be left behind. So what does an online class need? Basically a good internet connection. We only have a wifi connection which cannot meet the need for a google classroom. So, we use our Android phones instead. We can consume up to 200 pesos of cargo in one day; and so far the class is still ongoing.

If you are in my case, who has not been earning from March to the present, how are you going to sustain this need? This social improvement program implemented by DSWD is supposedly the answer. I am really disappointed with the result of that survey because it turned out that I am not qualified to take advantage of financial assistance after all. I really don’t know what your criteria is in evaluating your beneficiaries.

Not only am I discouraged; but other people who are also victims of false hopes during this crisis.