As promised by DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian, to the affected families of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake affecting the municipalities of Surigao del Sur, DSWD Field Office Caraga distributed on January 23-31, 2024, the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) in Surigao del Sur.

 

A total of 10,188 qualified families from the municipalities of Hinatuan: 855, Barobo: 291, Lanuza: 5, Carrascal: 1, Bayabas: 76, Lianga: 270, Tagbina: 510, Marihatag:176, San Miguel: 58, Tago: 106, Tandag City: 183, San Agustin:246, Cagwait: 460, Cortes: 18, Lingig: 880, and Bislig: 959, received Php12,510 each to support them in the aftermath of the earthquake. The said amount is calculated by multiplying 75% of the current minimum daily wage by 45 days.

The ECT Program distribution in Caraga is a first, activated only when the affected province declared a state of calamity – it can be recalled that the Provincial Local Government Unit of Surigao del Sur declared a state of calamity in December 2023.

 

Present during ECT distribution in Hinatuan are representatives from the Disaster Response Management Bureau of the DSWD Central Office, OIC Assistant Bureau Director from the Disaster Response Management Bureau Rey Martija, Ma. Theresa Bas, PDO IV, Maegan Zeresh Monsanto, PDO III, DSWD Caraga’s Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes, Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel, municipal mayors, municipal administrators, and staff of the aforementioned municipalities.

 

“ECT is unconditional, which means we can use it for other purposes like buying medicine, food, or shelter repairs”, Ma. Theresa Bas, PDO IV, said.

ECT forms part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and recovery of the communities affected by disasters. DSWD’s commitment to providing substantial assistance not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to the community’s long-term recovery.