The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 (Davao Region) began on Tuesday the distribution of cash assistance under the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program to 7,101 beneficiaries in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, affected by the recent strong earthquake.

Of the total, 2,433 families with damaged houses received PHP5,122 each, amounting to PHP12.46 million, while 4,668 families whose houses were destroyed received PHP10,244 each, or PHP47.81 million.

“The beneficiaries personally received the financial assistance that will be used to repair and rebuild their damaged homes to gradually recover from the calamity,” the agency said in a public post.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who led the distribution, noted that the prompt release of aid reflects the government’s commitment to disaster response.

“It is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure prompt, continuous, and effective service delivery to disaster-affected families to ensure that no family is left behind and that everyone has a chance to recover,” he said.

In an interview with DSWD-11, Inda Colano, a resident of Barangay Mabila, Balut Island, recalled the fear she felt as her 26-year-old house’s walls collapsed during the tremor.

“I was really scared at that moment. It was a good thing the collapsed wall didn’t hit my head,” she said, adding that the ECT aid brought relief to her family.

“I will use this money to fix our house. Thank you so much DSWD,” she added.

Beyond financial relief, the ECT program provides disaster-affected families with the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

For Colano and many others, it marks the first step toward regaining safe homes and stronger futures. (PNA)