DSWD-7 extends deadline for ‘Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program’ to January 2024
4Ps City Link conducts social welfare and development indicator (SWDI) to a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) partner-beneficiary in Bogo city, Cebu. | Photo from DSWD-7
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu- The deadline for application for the “Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program” of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) has been extended to January 2024.
This was confirmed by Kerwin Macopia, DSWD’7 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) information officer.
The Lifeline Rate Act is a law that allows the grant of subsidies or discounted rates to low-income, marginalized electric consumers, such as the beneficiaries of 4Ps and Listahanan-identified poor households.
Depending on their electricity or power consumption, eligible consumers may enjoy a 20 percent to 100 percent discount on their electric bills.
Discounts may also vary depending on how much the distribution utilities (DU) are willing to give.
To date, Macopia said that more than 2,000 4Ps families have availed of the program, which is a very small percentage of the 297,000 active Pantawid households in the region.
“Nadesisyon nga extended siya until January 2024. So dili maguol kay dili man gud ni madali-dali man gud,” Macopia said.
Advocacy campaign
In order to raise awareness on the program, DSWD-7 has also intensified its advocacy campaign in coordination with the different distribution utilities.
“Ato i-invite atong mga partners sa mga electric companies nga sila mismo maka-explain during sa FDS ug public gatherings kun unsaon pag-avail sa lifeline rate subsidy,” he said.
Eligible beneficiaries need to apply at the nearest DUs or electric cooperatives (ECs).
The 4Ps partner beneficiaries may present their 4Ps or other valid government-issued ID containing the signature and address of the consumer, accomplished application form, and recent electric bill.
On the other hand, Listahanan-identified poor households, will be asked to submit a certification from the local social welfare and development officer (LSWDO).
The certification will only be valid for a period of six months and must show the family’s income at the time the application was made. They will also be asked to submit a duly accomplished application form, recent electric bill, and any valid government-issued ID containing the signature and address of the consumer. / dcb
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