By CESAR JOLITO III

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) is preparing a special payout for fuel subsidies as it works to accommodate beneficiaries who were unable to claim their assistance within the original schedule.

DSWD-NIR Regional Director Arwin Razo said the agency is currently coordinating with local government units (LGUs) for possible replacements of beneficiaries who failed to receive their subsidies.

According to Razo, the department is exploring a “window” to assist individuals who were excluded after missing the deadline for submission of requirements.

He emphasized that a validation process, including cross-matching of records, will be conducted to prevent duplication of claims.

The move comes as the agency noted that more than 1,000 listed beneficiaries have yet to receive their fuel subsidies.

Some of them are no longer eligible due to various reasons, including working abroad, relocation outside their registered areas, or death.

“These slots will be reassigned to qualified individuals who were previously excluded,” Razo said, referring to beneficiaries identified by LGUs in various cities across the region.

The DSWD also assured that available funds will be fully utilized for the subsidy program.

Should additional funding be necessary, the agency said it will seek other sources to ensure that all qualified beneficiaries are assisted./CJ, WDJ

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The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region noted that more than 1,000 listed beneficiaries have yet to receive their fuel subsidies. (Cesar Jolito III / WDJ photo)