Catanduanes: A total of 778 beneficiaries affected by typhoons in the towns of Bagamanoc and Bato, Catanduanes, have received over PHP18 million in cash aid. The assistance was delivered under the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP), as reported by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development - Bicol (DHSUD-5) on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DHSUD-5 spokesperson Karen Punzalan stated that the recipients included 375 residents from Bagamanoc and 403 from Bato. The distribution, a two-day event, began on Tuesday in Tabaco City, Albay, due to the absence of a DHSUD office in Catanduanes. The payout for Bagamanoc occurred on the first day, while beneficiaries from Bato received their aid on the following day. Each beneficiary received PHP30,000 for completely damaged homes and PHP10,000 for partially damaged ones.

Punzalan elaborated that the choice of Tabaco City as the distribution venue was due to COA Circular No. 97-002. This mandates strict internal controls to protect government assets from theft, loss, or force majeure. She highlighted that the special disbursing officer carries full personal and criminal responsibility for the secure handling and transportation of public funds.

Rico Santos, a resident of Barangay San Isidro in Bagamanoc, expressed gratitude to DHSUD-5 for the financial assistance, emphasizing its importance in repairing his typhoon-damaged house. Similarly, Emelita Cueva, a senior citizen from Barangay Bagatabaw in Bagamanoc, mentioned that the aid would be used for home repairs and to meet her family's food requirements.