Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 (Davao Region) initiated the distribution of cash assistance under the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program to 7,101 beneficiaries in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, who were affected by the recent earthquake.

According to Philippines News Agency, of the total recipients, 2,433 families with damaged homes each received PHP5,122, totaling PHP12.46 million. Meanwhile, 4,668 families whose houses were destroyed received PHP10,244 each, amounting to PHP47.81 million. The financial assistance aims to help these families repair and rebuild their homes as they recover from the disaster.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who led the distribution process, emphasized that the swift disbursement of aid is a testament to the government's dedication to disaster response. "It is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure prompt, continuous, and effective service delivery to disaster-affected families to ensure that no family is left behind and that everyone has a chance to recover," he stated.

In a conversation with DSWD-11, Inda Colano, a resident of Barangay Mabila, Balut Island, shared her harrowing experience during the earthquake. She recounted the fear she felt when the walls of her 26-year-old house collapsed. "I was really scared at that moment. It was a good thing the collapsed wall didn't hit my head," Colano said, expressing gratitude for the ECT aid, which has provided her family with much-needed relief.

Beyond financial assistance, the ECT program offers affected families a chance to rebuild their lives. For Colano and many others, it represents a crucial step toward regaining safe homes and securing a more stable future.