Cebu: In a series of payouts from December 11 to 13, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed emergency cash transfer (ECT) assistance to 20,788 families affected by Typhoon Tino across various towns in Cebu province.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group emphasized the department's commitment to ensuring that assistance reaches those impacted by the typhoon, particularly families whose homes suffered damage.

"We are ensuring that assistance continues to reach families affected by recent disasters that hit Cebu. Last week, a series of ECT pay-outs were conducted to reach out and help the families affected by Tino. This is in line with Secretary Rex Gatchalian's instructions, based on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., that no affected family should be left behind in times of disasters," Dumlao stated on Monday.

On December 11, the DSWD Field Office 7 (Central Visayas) managed the ECT payout for 726 families at the Panphil B. Frasco Sports Complex in Liloan, Cebu. Each beneficiary received PHP10,125 in cash assistance. On the same day, 58 families in Danao City received cash assistance at the Guinacot Covered Court, while 191 families were also granted ECT payouts in the municipality of Compostela.

Additionally, the DSWD FO 7 conducted a large-scale ECT payout on December 12 and 13 in Talisay City, benefiting a total of 17,562 families. The payout occurred at the Talisay Poblacion Sports Complex, Bulacao Gym, San Roque Gym, and Barangay Biasong.

Further support was provided to 1,911 families in Mandaue City and 340 severely affected families in Consolacion through the ECT program, coordinated closely with their respective local government units (LGUs). Dumlao assured that the DSWD would continue vigilant efforts to ensure that all eligible families receive the necessary aid.

The ECT program is a disaster response initiative of the DSWD designed to deliver immediate and unconditional financial assistance to families impacted by calamities. The department conducts a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment to identify vulnerable families, allowing them to address urgent needs while facilitating relief assistance and early recovery in areas declared under a state of calamity.