Masbate: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol Region (DSWD-5) is actively distributing financial assistance through the Liwanag at Tubig Assistance Welfare (LITAW) Program to families in Masbate province impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Opong in 2025.

According to Philippines News Agency, Claudio Villareal, head of the DSWD-Bicol Disaster Response Management Division, stated that the program aims to benefit over 50,000 families. So far, 31,326 households have received payouts, with additional distributions planned in the upcoming weeks. The initiative provides a one-time cash aid to help low-income families, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, to cover electricity and water expenses post-calamity.

Villareal explained that eligible households receive PHP2,000 to assist with utility costs. Beneficiaries are required to present their utility usage for the last three months to ensure that the funds are allocated specifically for these services. The program was initiated in Masbate due to prolonged interruptions in electricity and water services caused by Opong, and the area has been declared under a state of calamity.

The process requires the utility bill to be in the beneficiary's name. If not, alternative verification methods, such as certifications from the barangay or local government unit, are utilized. Payouts have been completed in Aroroy, Baleno, Balud, Cataingan, Palanas, and Masbate City, while Cawayan, Mobo, and Uson are still ongoing. On Ticao Island, towns like Batuan, Monreal, San Fernando, and San Jacinto have also completed their distributions as pilot areas for the last quarter of 2025.

Villareal emphasized that the LITAW Program aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to provide timely and relevant assistance to families affected by disasters.