DAVAO CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD XI) is ensuring the efficient and accurate distribution of the 2nd tranche of the Social Amelioration Program's (SAP) financial assistance to families most affected by the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

These recent developments are due to the efforts of DSWD in ensuring that the said department has full control with regards to the mode of distribution of cash assistance through financial service providers as well as the verification and cross-checking of the 419,000 beneficiaries in Region XI.

The Assistant Regional Director for DSWD XI Merlinda Paragamac bared that the electronic transfer of financial assistance that started today has greatly aided in the department's efforts to ensure that the allocated financial assistance will be properly distributed.

"The distribution ensures that the beneficiaries will experience faster and safer distribution of the 2nd tranche of SAP since some financial service provider outlets are air-conditioned and ensure that minimum health standards are observed," Paragamac said.

The DSWD XI understands that there are areas in the Davao Region which are difficult to access that is why the said department is currently in the negotiation process to deliver the 2nd tranche of SAP assistance in far-flung areas within the region.

"We are currently under negotiations to visit remote areas in the [Davao] Region to ensure that all SAP beneficiaries will be able to avail of the DSWD's services," Paragamac added.

Paragamac reminds all beneficiaries who have not yet received their financial assistance from the DSWD XI that they should just wait for the notification of the financial service provider since there is a distribution schedule that is being followed.

"DSWD XI would like to remind the beneficiaries of the 2nd tranche of SAP distribution that they will all receive their cash assistance once it is their schedule and the financial service provider has notified them," Paragamac said. (PIA XI/KPLCaro)