THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI clarified that the Seed Capital Fund (SCF) is provided to beneficiaries in cash and not converted into grocery vouchers.
In a media conference on Thursday, April 16, regional director Rhuelo D. Aradanas addressed allegations that the P15,000 SCF intended for beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) was being converted into vouchers for specific grocery stores in Mati, Davao Oriental.
“Hindi po nagbibigay ng SCF para i-grocery niyo, dumaan kayo sa series of trainings,” Aradanas stressed.
Under the existing SLP guidelines (Memorandum Circular 03 s 2025), the SCF must be provided directly in cash to qualified beneficiaries. This fund is specifically designed to support proposed micro-enterprises and is not intended for any form of conversion, particularly not into grocery vouchers.
“Before the fund is released, all beneficiaries undergo an orientation where it is clearly explained that the SCF should strictly be used for their approved livelihood projects, and not for personal consumption,” he said.
Aradanas stressed there is no directive from DSWD to convert the cash grants into vouchers.
“The integrity of our programs is non-negotiable,” Aradanas told the press, noting the regional office has conducted validation and monitoring to ensure that guidelines are being followed and that government resources are being used correctly.
Dexter M. Lara said the SCF will be received by qualified beneficiaries depending on their business proposal, with a maximum of P20,000 each.
For the said payout last April 10, a total of 943 beneficiaries are expected to receive P15,000 each, but four were unable to claim due to personal matters.
To note, a certain Mac BoyBangas Amora posted on his Facebook page questioning the distribution of SCF, calling out the DSWD on the proceeds of the cash grant.
The post reads:
“Kini pangutana lang: Pls like and Share aron mo abot sa DSWD atong pangutana..
kung unsa ka tinood Ang bagolbol SA Beneficiary para SA Livelihood Program SA DSWD! nga igo radaw mi gunit Ang beneficiary SA Kwarta na 15k tapos human gi picturan, gi ilisdan daw ug Coupon?
1.) Aduna bay Memorandum o Balaud Ang DSWD nga Ang 15K para SA livelihood Program nga kinahanglan e convert into Coupon SA usa ka Grocery Store SA Mati City?
2.) kung walay balaud o Memo? Ngano Inyo gi tugotan ?
3.) Dili ba kini Bias SA ubang mga Grocery Store? 900 Beneficiaries na tag 15k mo abot kini SA 13.5M SA USA lang ka Grocery Store?
4.) Dili ba kini ma tawag ug MONOPOLYO? ”
Aradanas said the office clarified DSWD paymasters are not involved in the conversion issue, and is considering filing charges against the individual who posted on Facebook directly involving DSWD.
He said the agency is yet to receive a formal complaint from the beneficiaries in Mati, but the agency ensured to reach out and urge the beneficiaries to file a complaint against the perpetrator of the payout conversion.
