The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed support to the decision of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to extend the distribution of the emergency subsidy under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the government in consideration to the request of the local government units (LGUs).

In the April 30 Presidential Press Briefing attended by DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista and DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano, it was announced that a seven-day extension for the distribution of SAP was given to LGUs in the National Capital Region (NCR), the provinces of Cavite and Bulacan, and the cities of Cebu and Davao. All other LGUs were given a four-day extension.Earlier, LGUs were given until April 30 to finish the distribution of SAP to their constituents.

In his report, Secretary Bautista said that all LGUs nationwide have received the funding for the first tranche of SAP in their respective jurisdictions from DSWD. As of April 29, more than P50 Billion have been distributed to 9.5 families covered by SAP. Of the amount P16. 3 Billion were given to over 3.7 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps); P33.3 Billion to more than 5.7 million low income, non-4Ps beneficiaries; and P323.3 million to 40,418 families of drivers of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) and Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) in NCR. Secretary Bautista said that some 104 LGUs have completed the distribution of SAP in their areas.

He urged LGUs to immediately submit their liquidation reports for the first tranche to enable the Department to facilitate the release of the second tranche of SAP for the month of May.The Department continues to work hand in hand with the DILG to ensure the smooth distribution of the emergency subsidy to the rightful beneficiaries at the same time adhering to existing health and safety protocols amid this ongoing public health emergency.