DAVAO ORIENTAL—The Provincial Government here has distributed on April 11 cash assistance to flood victims in Manay town to help them reconstruct their homes destroyed by Tropical Depression Amang earlier this year.Granted through the province’s Emergency Shelter Assistance Program, a total of 42 families whose houses were partially damaged have received P5,000 cash each, while the other 2 families with totally damaged houses received P10,000 cash each. Said families are from Barangays San Ignacio, Zaragosa, and Central.

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Mati Chapter Administrator Catherine Bijis, who spearheaded the cash distribution, asked for the victims’ understanding for the little delay of the financial aid and for their strict adherence when it comes to complying the requirements.PSWD Representative Mr. Cid Paglinawan said that, “we are coordinating with the Provincial Government fund in accordance of COMMELEC to determine the beneficiaries for the ESA Program, as well as to ensure that the beneficiaries will receive the much-needed assistance”.

“The PSWDO welcomes feedback regarding disaster response operations from our beneficiaries and the public in order to improve the delivery of programs and services of the agency and ensure transparency in our operations” he added.Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Art Benjie Bulaong, who represented Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, said that “Our Provincial Government, through our Provincial Governor, is always, as always, ready to listen to whatever you need, to help you get back to your normal lives. We do not always turn our back, we always stay strong during these challenges.”

Representatives of other concerned offices such as Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office, have also witnessed the said event. By Margie Vergara (DOSCST Intern)/ Photos by Riza M. Golez