Tublay, Benguet – In response to the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Egay, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) has launched the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program across the province. This initiative is aimed at providing much needed financial support to those affected by the typoon’s aftermath, assisting them in their recovery efforts.
On 12 October 2023, a total of PHP 1, 777, 500.00 cost of assistance were given to the 195 beneficiaries of Tublay, Benguet. Five beneficiaries received PHP 13,500.00 each for their severely damaged houses and 190 beneficiaries which has a slightly damaged houses received PHP 9,000.00 each.
“This ECT is an adaptive strategy of the government in bridging the gaps between early response and early recovery. Early response involves providing food packs immediately as the calamities strike while early recovery signifies the transition to rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts”, DSWD-CAR Regional Director Leo L. Quintilla said.
Dir. Quintilla also emphasized that this Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) Pay out in Tublay coincides with the simultaneous pay out held in Region III for the affected of flooding in Region IV for the families affected of Mayon and in Mindanao. He also stressed the significance of the Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC) attached to beneficiaries’ requirements to track assistance received from the agency effectively.
Among the beneficiaries is Rosa David a resilient 66-years old hailing from Caponga, Tublay. She expressed her profound gratitude for the invaluable assistance extended to her by the agency. She underscored the vital role of the cash assistance allowing her to resume the crucial riprapping project at the rear of her house.
The payout event was attended by the MSWDO led by Ms. Aurea Jane Penrad, Lone District Representative of Benguet Eric Yap represented by Ms. Cristine Molitas, Governor Melchor Diclas, OCD-CAR Regional Director Albert A. Mogol, Barangay Officials, Bureau of Fire Protection and Philippine National Police.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Sec. Marcelino Ponipon, who represented the mayor of Tublay. He expressed his gratitude and support for the program, emphasizing its importance in helping the community recover and rebuild.
In his message, Governor Diclas, expressed his gratitude for the program, recognizing its vital role in supporting the community’s resilience and recovery. He spoke of how these initiatives serve as a foundation for the affected community to stand strong again.
Manwhile, Ms. Cristine Molitas conveyed Representative Yap’s appreciation for the program’s contribution to helping the community recover after the devastation caused by Typhoon Egay. She reiterated his belief that “a little is better than nothing”, emphasizing that even a small amount can make a significant difference in helping individuals and communities get back on their feet. She also commended the coordination among various agencies to ensure equal distribution of assistance to those in need, contributing to the betterment of Benguet.
“I also want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the different agencies for their unwavering support to the government during times of calamity. I encourage the beneficiaries to wisely use the funds they received that even it’s a modest amount, it should serve its intended purpose effectively” said OCD-CAR Regional Director Albert A. Mogol.
The payout will continue throughout the province of Benguet for the month of October.
ECT is an unconditional cash grant, that may be used by the beneficiary for any purpose that would aid in their day to day needs on repair of their damaged house. As per Memorandum Circular 17, series of 2021 of DSWD, the amount of relief assistance is equivalent to the 75% prevailing Regional Daily Wage Rate multiplied by 30 days.# DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, HAZEL ANN BUY-O.
