Albay: Mayon-affected farmers in Albay province began receiving financial assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol Region's (DSWD-5) emergency cash transfer (ECT) on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Claudio Villareal Jr., regional chief of DSWD's Disaster Response and Management Division, stated that at least nine local government units with 6,411 farmers affected by the ongoing restiveness of Mayon Volcano will receive PHP10,230 per beneficiary in a three-day payout that started Tuesday. "This is a response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to provide swift assistance to the families affected by the Mayon Volcano unrest," he said.
On Tuesday, the payout was distributed to the LGUs of Sto. Domingo (91); Bacacay (33); Malilipot (447); and Tabaco City (398). On Wednesday, payouts will be given to farmers in Daraga (798), Legazpi City (437), and Guinobatan (1,598). On Thursday, the distribution will include Camalig (841); Ligao City (249); and the rest from Guinobatan (1,519). Villareal mentioned that PHP65.5 million was allocated for the assistance.
Jose Balasta from Barangay Lidong, Sto. Domingo, is among the 91 farmers who received PHP10,230 in financial assistance from the agency, severely affected by the recent activity at Mayon Volcano. He expressed that the financial aid greatly supports sustaining his livelihood. "Thank you. This has helped us farmers, especially with the pests we are experiencing in the fields. It has really helped us with our livelihood as the Mayon unrest continues," he said.
Villareal highlighted that the assistance to Sto. Domingo farmers will support their livelihoods and provide an alternative source of income during the temporary suspension of their traditional livelihoods. One beneficiary from Tabaco City, Arnel Borlagdan Arabe, 47, of Barangay Oson, also expressed his gratitude for the cash assistance. "I am grateful to the DSWD because it will help with our daily expenses, especially since we are not able to earn a living because of the activities of Mayon," he said.
Since Alert Level 3 was raised on January 6, the DSWD-5 has been at the forefront of disaster response, providing family food packs and other essential items to affected individuals.
