A total of 6,505 families severely affected by Tropical Storm (TS) Basyang in Surigao del Sur received financial aid through the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga Region’s (DSWD-13) Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) during a series of payout activities held on Wednesday and Thursday.
In a statement, the DSWD-13 noted that the families who received ECT aid were from the towns of Carrascal, Carmen, Cantilan, Barobo, Hinatuan, Marihatag, Tago, Bayabas, Lanuza, Cortes, Madrid, Cagwait, San Miguel and Tandag City.
“The ECT is activated once a state of calamity is declared, which aims to help families recover and regain their footing from the devastating effects of the storm,” the DSWD-13 said on Thursday.
Surigao del Sur was placed under a state of calamity through Resolution No. 762-26, approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Feb. 9, following the devastation caused by TS Basyang.
Most of the beneficiaries were residents whose homes were damaged during the storm.
Residents whose homes were severely damaged received PHP10,260 each, while those with partially damaged homes got PHP5,130 each.
“This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure timely and responsive assistance for disaster-affected families, especially during challenging times such as TS Basyang,” the DSWD-13 said. (PNA)