Only 23 qualified rice dealers get P15k subsidy – DTI
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Pangasinan confirmed that only 23 rice dealers, in Pangasinan have received their promised P15,000 subsidy from the national government as of last Wednesday, September 14.
Guillermo Avelino Jr., chief of the Consumer Protection Division, said 23 qualified beneficiaries in Pangasinan – seven in Dagupan City, 10 in Alaminos City, and six in San Carlos City – affected by Executive Order No. 39 received their financial assistance.
The seven rice traders selling rice inside the Malimgas Public Market in Dagupan City, received their subsidy last September 13 while beneficiaries from San Carlos City and Alaminos City received theirs on September 14.
Avelino clarified that the list of qualified rice traders was provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The distribution to only a few traders led hundreds of other traders to feel ignored by the government.
Among the criteria for qualified beneficiaries include the proof of legitimacy of their operations, submission of official permits and documents, and a business capital of not exceeding P3 million.
It will be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued EO No. 39, which imposes a price ceiling on regular-milled and well-milled rice: P41 per kilo for regular-milled while P45 for well-milled rice.
The DTI said the rice price cap may be reviewed after two weeks, coinciding with the initial harvest season of rice in the country.
Several individuals questioned Marcos’ decision to implement a price cap, saying it was a bad economic move, violating economics’ vital: “the law of supply and demand”. (Ahikam Pasion)
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