Between January and October 2019, the government has spent RD$12.45 billion in social welfare allotments to welfare cardholders for multiple programs.
Diario Libre reports the social subsidies increased RD$1.26 billion in the pre-election year. The subsidies include Bonoluz (for electricity), Bonogas (for transporters and home use), Comer es Primero (food subsidy), and the incentive to school attendance, among others. Diario Libre reports there are more than 10 types of social aid to low-income households.
As reported, there are 2,578,065 direct beneficiaries, of which 67% are women (1,739,447) and 33% men, or 838,618 persons.
36% of the beneficiaries are located in the Cibao region, followed by 25% in the Greater Santo Domingo metropolitan area. The remaining 24% and 15% are located in the southern and eastern regions, respectively.
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Diario Libre
18 December 2019