Sarangani’s quake-hit families get DSWD aid

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Field Office-12 (Soccsksargen), began distributing Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) on Thursday, January 18, to help households affected by the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck three municipalities in Sarangani province in November 2023.

The DSWD’s ECT program is intended to serve about 5,000 households in the communities of Alabel, Malapatan and Glan where their houses were completely or partially damaged.

Families with totally damaged houses receive P27,180, while those with partially damaged houses receive P13,590, which they may spend to rebuild or restore their destroyed homes.

On January 18, personnel from the DSWD Field Office-12, led by Regional Director Loreto Cabaya Jr., distributed cash assistance to 621 households from the three communities.

The Field Office, in partnership with local government bodies, will schedule payouts for the remaining families.

The ECT payout is a joint effort of the DSWD Field Office-12 and local officials led by Sarangani Gov. Rogelio Pacquiao, Alabel Mayor Vic Paul Salarda, Malapatan Mayor Salway Sumbo Jr., and Glan Mayor Victor James Yap Sr.

“Let us thank Secretary Rex Gatchalian because he really pushed for the immediate provision of cash assistance for the earthquake victims, and it reflects the commitment of the DSWD to provide it promptly,” Cabaya said.

Governor Pacquiao, for his part, praised the DSWD and other stakeholders for their coordinated efforts to meet the affected communities’ urgent needs.

The ECT payout is part of the DSWD’s early recovery and rehabilitation program for families affected by recent calamities.