Government Begins Distribution of Financial Assistance for Rice Retailers in Metro Manila
In response to the implementation of price ceilings on rice products, the government will start distributing financial aid to qualified rice retailers in selected public markets in Metro Manila. The distribution will be led by Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
The first batch of financial aid beneficiaries will be rice retailers at the Commonwealth Market in Quezon City, followed by Maypajo Market in Caloocan City. This distribution is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 9.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has estimated that around 25,000 rice retailers in Metro Manila alone are being validated for potential immediate monetary assistance of P15,000. DTI Assistant Secretary Agaton Uvero stated that the government aims to provide financial aid to all legitimate retailers affected by the price ceilings.
Uvero emphasized the urgency to grant monetary assistance, with the government targeting the start of distribution to affected retailers before the end of the week. The Department of Social Welfare and Development will complete the validation process to ensure that retailers have incurred losses since the implementation of price ceilings on September 5. This validation is being done in coordination with the DTI, Department of Agriculture, and local government units.
Priority will be given to retailers in public markets and those registered with local government units. The DTI’s Bureau of Small Business is also gathering information to include micro retailers that are not registered with local government units.
Aside from financial assistance, other forms of aid, such as one month’s free rental for affected retailers, may also be provided. In areas outside Metro Manila, the Department of Local and Interior Government and respective local government units will offer assistance to rice retailers. The DTI is also preparing interest-free loans for small businesses and providing logistics support for rice deliveries in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and local government units.
Furthermore, the DTI is engaged in discussions with market masters and traders to access a stable supply of rice for retailers.
