The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office 5 (Bicol Region) on Friday (October 13) started the distribution of the 2nd tranche of the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) to families affected by the heightened activity of Mayon volcano in the past four months.

The ECT distribution was ordered by Secretary Rex Gatchalian in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the DSWD to ensure that all disaster-affected families and individuals will be provided with continuous food packs and cash aid.

The ECT distribution to 5,289 Mayon-affected families will be until Sunday (October 15). The cash aid beneficiaries were those who sought shelter in evacuation centers for nearly four months across seven affected local government units (LGUs) in Albay province.

“These families have returned home after an advisory was released by the provincial government of Albay on October 5. They were given food packs until October 9 as a take home assistance from the field office,” Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio said.

According to Director Laurio, each affected family whose livelihood has been disrupted due to the Mayon volcanic eruption will each receive Php 12,330 in cash aid under the ECT program of the DSWD.

“This financial support is aimed at assisting them with their daily needs and consumption. This is also a response to the agency’s efforts to aid in the early recovery of these affected families,” the Bicol regional director said.

The total number of ECT recipients on  Friday were as follows:  881 families from Camalig; 883 families in Guinobatan, and 56 families in Ligao.

For Saturday (October 14), the ECT beneficiaries include 573 families in Daraga and 908 families in Malilipot.

The ECT distribution will conclude on Sunday (October 15) with 1,544 beneficiaries in Santo Domingo and 444 in the City of Tabaco expected to receive their ECT.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said the ECT program serves as an adaptive strategy bridging the gap between immediate disaster relief, humanitarian response, and early recovery support.

“The ECT offers essential cash aid for families in areas declared under a state of calamity,” Asec. Lopez, who is also DSWD spokesperson, said.

As the vice-chair for disaster response, the DSWD is committed to upholding the integrity of the ECT process, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of services and programs to disaster-stricken families.

“This substantial assistance is a beacon of hope for those affected by the Mayon volcano eruption, offering them the support needed to rebuild their lives,” the DSWD spokesperson said.#