NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field office in Western Visayas began distributing cash aid on May 15, 2025, to families affected by the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, through its emergency cash transfer (ECT) program.
A total of 1,711 internally displaced persons (IDPs) received financial assistance, including 1,362 from La Castellana, 327 from La Carlota City, and 22 from Bago City—areas severely affected by heavy ashfall and sulfuric emissions during the eruption. Each family was granted ₱5,775, amounting to a total disbursement of ₱9.88 million.
The cash payouts were conducted simultaneously across the affected areas in close coordination with local government units. DSWD Regional Director Arwin O. Razo personally oversaw the rollout of the program.
The ECT program serves as a key intervention in the government’s disaster response, offering direct financial assistance alongside in-kind support such as food packs.
Razo stressed that providing cash empowers affected families to make informed decisions on their urgent needs and helps restore their dignity and independence during a crisis.
“Even as we continue to provide family food packs, the emergency cash transfer is a crucial form of assistance that helps our displaced families meet their specific and urgent needs. With this cash aid, they are given the means to support themselves more effectively as they endure this difficult period,” Razo said.
He added that DSWD remains committed to supporting communities in times of disaster and emphasized that the agency is working closely with LGUs and partner agencies to monitor the situation and respond to emerging needs.
The well-being of affected families remains the DSWD’s top priority as it continues to scale up interventions in response to the ongoing Kanlaon crisis.
