The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomes the inquiry being proposed by House Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano and other members of Congress on the alleged delay in the implementation of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

The Department said that the inquiry is an opportunity to respond to the queries of the legislators as well as to clarify and further explain the processes that have to be undertaken to ensure the integrity of the program. It also serves as venue to share the lessons learned during the implementation period.

The Department also expressed optimism that with the inquiry, the honorable legislators may be able to provide recommendations, within the bounds of law, which can be adopted in future similar programs.

Under the Bayanihan To Heal as One Act, DSWD was tasked to implement the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) for 18 million low-income families assessed to be most affected by the community quarantine given their existing life situation or circumstances. The program provides a P5,000 to P8,000 cash subsidy, based on regional minimum wage rate, to these families as mandated by the law. ###