DSWD gives P15,000 each to 900 fire-hit families in Tondo
Photo courtesy of the Manila DRRMO
Just days after a massive fire displaced hundreds of residents in Tondo, Manila, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended over P13.5 million in emergency cash assistance to help affected families recover and rebuild.
A total of 900 families received P15,109 each through the agency’s Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program during a payout held on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Vicente Lim Elementary School.
The financial aid is intended to supplement earlier distributions of food and relief items.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who led the distribution, said the cash aid was provided under direct orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who called for additional assistance following the fire on Aug. 6.
“Pinapunta ho ako mismo dito ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. para magdala ng karagdagang tulong (President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally sent me here to bring additional assistance),” Gatchalian said during the event.
He added that the cash gives families the flexibility to address their most urgent needs, rather than relying solely on standardized relief packs.
“Cash ang binibigay natin kasi alam natin na may iba-iba silang pangangailangan para sila ay ma-empower na pumili kung ano yung uunahin nila (Cash assistance is provided because we understand that each family has different needs, allowing them to choose what to prioritize),” Gatchalian said.
The ECT is an adaptive and unconditional program that empowers beneficiaries to address their most urgent needs after a major disaster.