The government will start handing out cash transfers to some 7.4 million families by March, with the P200 subsidy expected to help poor households cope with higher prices of basic goods.

In a statement, the Department of Finance (DoF) said 4.4 million existing beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program as well as 3 million senior citizens receiving social pensions will start receiving additional doleouts this February, representing the unconditional cash transfers provided under the tax reform law.

“The DWSD expects all 10 million beneficiary-households—comprising the poorest 50 percent of the population—to receive their UCT transfers by August,” the DoF said. — Melissa Luz T. Lopez