DSWD to launch manual for emergency cash transfers April 18

DSWD workers packing relief goods. This photo was taken in November 2020, The emergency cash transfer program is meant to complement the department’s other relief programs. (Photo from DSWD Facebook page)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will launch on Monday, April 18, an operations manual for implementing the emergency cash transfer (ECT) during catastrophes.

In its announcement on Wednesday, the DSWD said the launching will be held at its central office at the Malasakit Building in Quezon City. The event will be headed by its Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) with support from the World Bank (WB).

The ECT is given to survivors of disasters and other emergencies to give them immediate relief and support their early recovery, the DSWD said.

The ECT program will also reduce the administrative and financial costs of the DSWD in its delivery of food and non-food items in disaster areas.

“The program also minimizes security risks for personnel and logistical demands since it utilizes financial service providers for the conduct of digital payouts,” the DSWD said.

Because the aid is in cash, affected families will be able to how to use it based on their own specific needs. It is expected to speed up the return to normalcy.

The DSWD further explained that the program complements existing disaster response support.

The DSWD considers the launch of the operating manual as “a key milestone” in its continued efforts to improve its response to the needs of those affected by disasters and other emergencies.

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