DSWD Bicol Releases P14.8M in Cash Aid for Naga City Families Affected by STS Kristine

By Rhaydz Barcia

FIVE months after Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine devastated the Bicol Region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office has provided P14,804,736 in unconditional cash grants through the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program to 2,784 families in Naga City.

DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio stated that families whose homes were completely destroyed received P9,768 each, while those with partially damaged houses were granted P5,032 under the ECT program.

On October 22, 2024, STS Kristine caused massive destruction across the region, particularly in Naga City, Camarines Sur, where 27 barangays were submerged in floodwaters that rose as high as eight feet due to torrential rainfall.

The storm affected a total of 64,719 families, displacing 249,660 individuals. Additionally, 172 houses were completely destroyed, while 2,790 sustained partial damage.

Earlier, DSWD Bicol had already distributed immediate relief assistance—including food and non-food items—amounting to P33,299,010.94 to affected families.

To support the long-term recovery of affected families, the social welfare department implemented the ECT program under the directive of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Laurio said.

“This initiative aims to further assist families in rebuilding their homes and livelihoods. DSWD Bicol continues to implement the ECT program in other affected areas and provinces, ensuring that families severely impacted by STS Kristine receive the necessary support to recover and rebuild their lives,” he added.

Meanwhile, DSWD Bicol is preparing for the immediate payout of the remaining 178 families who were unable to claim their assistance as scheduled due to pending requirements and discrepancies in identification records.