Bicol: At least 647 typhoon-affected families in the Bicol region have received cash assistance from the regional office of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to help repair and rebuild houses damaged by recent typhoons. DHSUD 5 (Bicol) allocated more than PHP13 million under the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program. Beneficiaries received PHP30,000 for houses that were destroyed and PHP10,000 for those damaged, agency spokesperson Karen Punzalan said on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Joselito Esteban Jr. of San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, expressed gratitude, saying the aid would help his family rebuild after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Esteban, who has two children, emphasized the support's significance in helping his family begin the process of rebuilding their home.

For Leony Lucena, aged 66, from Goa, Camarines Sur, the assistance was an unexpected blessing. She expressed her happiness and gratitude, stating that the aid would allow her to buy an iron roof for her damaged house. Meanwhile, Janito Bobis of Goa highlighted that the assistance would supplement their resources for rebuilding and supporting his two school-aged children, with part of the funds covering school-related expenses such as uniforms.

Eden Andres of Anayan, Pili, shared that the assistance would finally enable her family to repair their house, which was damaged by fire. She also mentioned plans to use any remaining funds for their small store. Beneficiaries of the aid are from Pili, Goa, and Canaman in Camarines Sur, as well as Rapu-Rapu and Libon in Albay.