DSWD prioritizing emergency cash aid for Uwan victims with damaged homes

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday assured that it is prioritizing the distribution of aid under the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program to families whose houses suffered significant damage during the onslaught of then Super Typhoon Uwan.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian gave the commitment during his visit to Aurora on Wednesday, where he met with local officials to discuss the distribution of cash aid under the ECT program and other needed assistance.

Gatchalian urged the local officials to carefully assess the partially and totally damaged houses in the aftermath of Uwan so that the government can respond adequately to typhoon victims’ needs.

He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has always emphasized the significance of cash assistance in helping Filipinos recover and rebuild their lives.

“Si Pangulo laging very particular doon sa cash assistance. Ang favorite line ng Presidente, hindi lahat ng gamit ng tao na kailangan [nila] ay matatagpuan sa relief packs. So, we have to start talking about cash assistance,” Gatchalian said.

(The President is always very particular about cash assistance. The President’s favorite line is, not everything they need can be found in relief packs. So, we have to start talking about cash assistance.)

Social workers from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) will assess the extent of the damage to determine the amount to be provided.

Gatchalian clarified that this cash aid is intended as partial assistance and that additional support may still be given. 

Those with totally damaged houses will receive an initial assistance of P10,000, while those whose homes were partially damaged will be initially given P5,000. Gatchalian said this is apart from assistance programs of other government agencies.

“Alam ko it’s not enough, siguro may magsasabi ang P10,000 ay hindi maibabalik ang buong kabahayan nila. Pauna lang. We can also come back for recovery so we can augment naman, kumbaga, paunang paraan [ang ECT]. Ang mahalaga gumagalaw tayo rather than iyong mga tao nag-aantay ng matagal,” the DSWD Secretary said.

(I know it’s not enough. Maybe some will say P10,000 won’t help them restore their homes. This is an initial amount. We can also come back for recovery so we can augment. In other words, it’s an initial amount. The important thing is, we are working rather than have people wait too long.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News