The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has reported a significant humanitarian response following the twin tremors that struck off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental earlier this month. The seismic events have impacted the lives of more than 1.2 million residents across the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte.
Massive Financial Aid Deployment
In a recent Kapehan sa Dabaw forum held at SM City Davao, DSWD-Davao officer Dahlia Padillo disclosed that the agency has released a total of P139.6 million in Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance. This critical financial support is designated for families whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the powerful quakes.
The aid distribution has reached 22,593 families across the three affected provinces. According to the detailed breakdown provided by the DSWD, 3,697 families with totally damaged houses each received P10,341. Meanwhile, 18,896 families with partially damaged homes were provided P5,362 each.
How the Cash Assistance Was Calculated
Padillo explained that the computation for the Emergency Cash Transfer follows specific operational guidelines. The amount is derived from 75 percent of the region's prevailing minimum daily wage rate, multiplied by an approved number of recovery days.
Families who lost their homes entirely qualified for assistance covering 27 days, while those with partial damage received support for 14 days. This structured approach aims to provide meaningful, calculated relief during the rebuilding phase.
Unclaimed Funds and Future Payouts
Despite the widespread distribution, the DSWD officer noted a remaining balance of approximately P12 million in unclaimed cash assistance as of December 22. Padillo stated that the current budget is now subject to liquidation procedures, preventing immediate further payouts.
"There is still some remaining assistance that we can no longer pay out because our budget is already subject to liquidation. Hopefully, by next year, we can request the funds again so that we can truly give them the financial assistance they deserve," Padillo conveyed.
This indicates an ongoing commitment to ensure all eligible beneficiaries ultimately receive the support allocated for them.
Beyond monetary aid, the government's comprehensive response included the distribution of essential goods. Padillo confirmed that family food packs and various non-food items have been delivered to the affected communities, addressing immediate needs for sustenance and basic supplies.
The scale of the impact—over 1.2 million people—highlights the severity of the twin earthquakes and underscores the critical importance of sustained government and community-led recovery efforts in the Davao Region.
