Where Was SAP Spent? Survey Says Food, Medicine and Debt Payments

Food was the top expenditure of those who received cash aid from the government's SAP or Social Amelioration Program that was meant as a financial lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey.

The SAP recipients also bought hygeine kits and medicine according to a poll of 3,600 households by  the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the United Nations World Food Program from July to August.

More than half, 58%, used the money to pay off some debt, according to the survey.

The survey showed that 67 percent were forced to buy less-preferred and less-expensive food items. More than half borrowed food from relatives and friends. Three out of four households saw a decrease in income due to work and travel restrictions, while 11% adopted nutrition-deficient diets.

Forty two percent of those who ended up being unemployed were from the transport sector or skilled labor force; 83 % resorted to selling their assets, borrowing money, or reducing non-food expenses.