Albay: A total of 1,105 families affected by the Mayon Volcano unrest across various local government units in Albay province have received PHP10,230 in financial assistance each, totaling PHP11.3 million, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program. During a simultaneous payout on Thursday, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally met with families from Malilipot, Albay, during the distribution activity.
According to Philippines News Agency, displaced families, numbering 395, who have been staying in the town's temporary 'tent city' for more than 100 days, will receive PHP 10,230 each. 'In accordance with the order of our President, we will ensure that we are still helping you,' Gatchalian said in Filipino. He noted that family food packs have been distributed every 15 days, now in its eighth wave since the start of the relief operations.
Aside from family food packs, internally displaced families have received various interventions, including cash-for-work, psychosocial support, mobile kitchens, water and sanitation services, and emergency cash aid. Agosto Broncate, 54, of Barangay Magapo, Tabaco City, expressed gratitude for the PHP10,230 emergency cash transfer he received. Broncate said he will use the assistance to provide for his family's needs, particularly his children's educational expenses.
Antonina Berces, 82, expressed gratitude for the government aid she received during Thursday's payout, saying it will help cover her medication for hypertension. Candida Volante, 39, also acknowledged the government for the financial assistance. 'It helps cover our daily expenses inside our tent and improves our living conditions in the evacuation site,' she said.
The assistance forms part of the ongoing support provided by DSWD to families displaced by the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay. Aside from the payout, DSWD officials also visited the Malabog Disaster Response Warehouse in Daraga and a new warehouse in Legazpi City to ensure sufficient stockpiles for families affected by Mayon unrest and other disasters.
