Davao city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) announced on Thursday it has distributed over PHP3 million in emergency cash transfer (ECT) assistance to families affected by the recent earthquake in Davao Occidental.

According to Philippines News Agency, a total of 453 beneficiaries received financial aid on July 8 in Barangay Malalan in the town of Jose Abad Santos (JAS). Of these, 163 families with houses that were totally damaged received PHP10,244 each, amounting to PHP1.66 million, while 290 families with partially damaged houses received PHP5,122 each, totaling PHP1.4 million.

The ECT program is part of DSWD's early recovery interventions, aimed at helping disaster-hit families meet immediate needs, begin rebuilding their homes, and restore their daily lives.

Meanwhile, the DSWD-11 "Angels in Red Vests" (ARVs) are continuing to provide psychosocial support to children in evacuation centers in JAS. The ARVs held Kumustahan (check-in sessions) and games in Barangays Butuan and Sugal, reaching 108 internally displaced children.

In Barangay Butuan, 43 children aged 6 to 12 participated in educational games and activities, offering a safe space to express their feelings and recover from trauma. In Barangay Sugal, 65 children received psychosocial interventions aimed at strengthening their emotional well-being.

"True recovery is measured not only by the aid distributed but also by the restoration of hope, security, and courage among children who need care the most," DSWD-11 stated in a release.