Masbate: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5), through its Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD), has initiated the distribution of financial assistance to families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) in Masbate province last month.
According to Philippines News Agency, Claudio Villareal, chief of DSWD-5's DRMD, stated that the aid is part of the DSWD's Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program. A total of PHP191 million has been allocated for a two-day payout, aimed at families whose houses were destroyed. Each family will receive 75 percent of the regional daily wage, which is PHP311, multiplied by 33 days, totaling PHP10,263. This fund can be utilized to purchase necessary materials for house repairs.
The two-day payout is scheduled to cover several towns: San Jacinto, San Fernando, Batuan, Esperanza, Pio V. Corpuz, Cataingan, Placer, Cawayan, Palanas, Dimasalang, Uson, and Mobo on the first day; and Masbate City, Milagros, Baleno, Aroroy, Mandaon, and Balud on the second day.
In another effort to provide support, at least 15 residents have received brand-new padyak (pedicabs) with cooking tools as part of the 'Padyak Asenso' livelihood program initiated by Ako Bicol party-list over the weekend. Beneficiary Jonna Borjas from Barangay Rawis expressed gratitude for the livelihood assistance, which she said will greatly help her family's needs.
The beneficiaries participated in a one-day training session to equip them with practical business and management skills before receiving their pedicabs. In addition to the pedicabs, each beneficiary was provided with essential equipment, including a food cart sticker, a high-pressure cast-iron single burner, a 16-inch aluminum wok, an 11-kg LPG tank, 17 liters of cooking oil, and various utensils. They also received PHP5,000 in startup capital.
AKB Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. emphasized that the initiative aims to build sustainable development, empowering Legazpe±os to transform their lives through hard work, perseverance, and community support.
