BUTUAN CITY- Even with the busy schedule of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga with the augmentation support to the different local government units affected by the weather disturbances the region is experiencing, the Agency equally prioritizes the distribution of the remaining unclaimed Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) cash cards to the beneficiaries.
Based on the UCT Action Plan, the office targets to distribute the remaining 101,146 to UCT-Social Pension and 24,073 to UCT-Listahanan beneficiaries at the end of 1st quarter – 2023.
For this month, the office already started the distribution of 1,914 cash cards in Carmen, Agusan del Norte on January 10-11, 2023; 3,032 cash cards in Tandag, Surigao del Sur on January 13-14, 202; and 1,954 for Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on January 17-18, 2023.
For other municipalities/cities, the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) will cascade the schedules to the Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs), as part of the latter’s support in the implementation of UCT program.
During the distribution, the eligible beneficiaries are advised to bring 2×2 ID pictures together with an original and photocopy of 1 valid government ID. The photocopy must have 3 specimen signature as required by the LBP – the authorized bank to distribute the cash card.
The Department would like to clarify that the delayed distribution of cash cards to its beneficiaries doesn’t mean extension of the said program. As stipulated in RA 10963, also known as the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, the program is implemented for only 3 years where eligible beneficiaries receive Php2,400.00 (Php200.00 per month) for 2018, and Php3,600.00 (Php300.00 per month) for 2019 and 2020.
However, the cash cards will still be of used for other programs and services from the government that needs an ATM account.
The Unconditional Cash Transfer Program (UCT) is the biggest tax reform mitigation program under the TRAIN Law. It seeks to provide cash grants to poor households and individuals who may not benefit from the lower income tax rates but may be adversely affected by rising prices.###(Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga).
