Bicol: Over 12,000 families affected by Super Typhoon Uwan in the Bicol region are receiving financial assistance through the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5). This initiative is aimed at providing economic relief to the typhoon-stricken provinces of Catanduanes and Sorsogon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ECT payouts commenced on Monday and are scheduled to continue until December 18, with a budget allocation exceeding PHP96 million. DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio emphasized the importance of this assistance as a financial support system for families with homes severely impacted by the storm.

In Catanduanes, the towns of Pandan and Caramoran are set to benefit from this financial aid. Specifically, 3,524 families will receive cash assistance, with 440 households in Pandan whose homes were completely destroyed receiving PHP10,263 each. An additional 2,283 families with partially damaged houses will receive PHP5,487 each. In Caramoran, 801 families with totally damaged homes will also be granted PHP10,263 each. The initiative allocates over PHP25 million to support these areas.

"This program represents the government's rapid response to expedite recovery in disaster-stricken regions," Laurio stated, highlighting that the payout is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to hasten rehabilitation and provide immediate support to affected communities.

In addition to the ECT program, the DSWD-5 has launched the 'Liwanag at Tubig Assistance and Welfare (LITAW)' program in Masbate province. This initiative addresses the needs of households that experienced electricity and water disruptions due to the storm. A total of 3,302 beneficiaries from the municipalities on Ticao Island, including San Jacinto, San Fernando, Monreal, and Batuan, will each receive PHP2,000.