Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian (File photo by RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Emergency cash transfers are being distributed to families displaced by the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.
In a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday, Gatchalian said the cash aid of around P12,300 to some 6,000 families in evacuation centers would continue in the coming months.
“As we speak right now, the Emergency Cash Transfer is happening in Bicol in Albay. This is their first month that they will get it, next month they will get it and upon instructions of the President, we will sustain it for as long as they need it,” the DSWD secretary said.
The cash assistance will address other needs of the displaced families that are not typically included in the release of DSWD’s family food packs (FFPs).
At the onset of the Mayon Volcano unrest in June 2023, President Marcos directed concerned government agencies to prepare for a 90-day relief aid to affected families, which is the estimated maximum period of unrest of the volcano.
Gatchalian highlighted the immediate response of the government during the calamity, where close to 100,000 FPPs were promptly provided to affected families.
“When the volcano erupted, we already have close to 100,000 food packs on the ground, which is why we did not hear about any lack of food there,” he said.