SOCIAL Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian yesterday said the department is finalizing the emergency cash grant that would be provided to three Luzon provinces hardest hit by typhoon “Carina” last month.
Gatchalian, during the Kapihan sa Manila Prince forum hosted by former senator Joey Lina and former press secretary Herminio Coloma, said around 1.4 million to 1.5 million family food packs have been distributed to those affected by Carina especially in the National Capital Region (Metro Manila), Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Central Luzon regions.
He said that on top of this, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is preparing emergency cash assistance for those affected especially in the provinces of Pampanga, Bataan and Bulacan.
“Hindi natatapos ang tulong sa pagkain, kailangan din nilang maka-recover at patuloy tayo dito gaya ng emergency cash transfer (ECT). We are in the process of processing the emergency cash transfer already for the three major-hit provinces,” he said.
Data from the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication showed that P684.076 million worth of assistance has been provided by the national and local governments and some private partners to 1.504 million families or 5.431 persons affected by Carina in 11 regions.
A total 146,667 families or 595,554 persons were displaced composed of 2,636 families or 10,260 are still staying in 79 evacuation centers, and 146,031 families or 585,294 persons who are temporarily staying with relatives or friends.
DSWD said 8,444 houses were damaged due to Carina.
