The National Housing Authority (NHA) has started distributing cash aid to residents of General Santos City who lost their homes after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Sarangani.

NHA personnel distributed cash assistance under the agency’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program.

Each beneficiary received P30,000.

While most of the beneficiaries plan to repair their damaged homes, a resident has another strategy for the assistance she received.

“Actually… hindi talaga sapat kung talagang tutuusin. So, ang gagawin ko, unahin ko talaga, para hindi mawala ito, ang gagawin ko ay may maliit ako na pwesto, aayusin ko lang. Bale mag-start kami ng konting livelihood. So, doon para yung pera na ito ay maglago. Ang bahay, hinay hinayan lang namin paggawa. Although, sirain yun sya. Kasi iti lang asahan mo hindi talaga sapat,” a beneficiary, Rosita Siat, said.

NHA said they are still validating other houses reported to be destroyed or damaged.

In General Santos City, up to 3,321 houses were destroyed.

Latest data from the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development showed more than 11,000 houses were destroyed in different areas due to the powerful tremor.