Albay: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has disbursed PHP137.4 million in emergency cash transfers (ECTs) to various local government units in Albay province since the Mayon Volcano unrest began in January. Claudio Villareal, chief of DSWD-5 Disaster Response Management Division, reported that the agency has assisted 11,705 beneficiaries, including internally displaced persons, families, and affected farmers and livestock growers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Villareal explained that the ECT program aims to bridge the gap between immediate relief and early recovery by providing unconditional cash for survival needs not covered by food and non-food items. The latest distribution on Wednesday benefited 2,050 farmers and livestock raisers who suffered loss of income. Of these beneficiaries, 1,228 were from Guinobatan, while 822 were from Camalig.

Villareal noted that each recipient received PHP10,230 in direct cash, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to deliver immediate support to communities impacted by the ongoing Mayon unrest. Additionally, the Social Registry Section carried out the BBM Serbisyo Registration Activity to enhance and streamline service delivery.

The BBM Serbisyo registration improves government service delivery by employing digital identity verification and streamlined beneficiary management. Villareal stated that with validated data readily accessible, interventions can be delivered swiftly to the affected population, eliminating delays from fraud or duplicate verification. The system also streamlines disaster reporting through standardized identity data, which can inform future decision-making and policymaking.

Villareal assured the public that disaster response teams remain mobilized to ensure swift assistance delivery.