On the second day of the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) payout, a total of 1,517 families from Barangay San Alfonso and San Rafael in Cateel, Davao Oriental each received ₱9,960 in financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The distribution was held today, July 16, 2024, at the Municipal Covered Court in Cateel.

Residents expressed deep gratitude and joy as they lined up for the emergency aid, recognizing the efforts of hardworking leaders in Davao Oriental.

Thanks to the proactive leadership of Governor Niño Uy, in partnership with Cateel Mayor Emilou Nuñez, other Local Government Units (LGUs), the DSWD, and various stakeholders, special funds were successfully allocated for families affected by recent calamities in Cateel.

Governor Uy emphasized his mission to bring national attention—under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos—to the struggles faced by Oriental Dabawenyos due to the recent Shearline and Trough of Low Pressure Area (LPA) events earlier this year. His goal: ensure affected families receive the support, dignity, and care they deserve during disasters.

In his message, Governor Uy shared his heartfelt commitment to public service and stressed the importance of unity and mutual respect in building a better future for every Dabawenyo:

“As a father and your governor, we worked hard to secure this emergency assistance. Our government may not be perfect, but we strive to be a model of good governance and sincere public service. Let’s continue our strong relationships and mutual understanding. This aid from the national government, through the DSWD, was given because we were all affected.”

Mayor Emilou Nuñez also expressed her sincere thanks to Governor Uy for his leadership, especially as he was recently recognized as one of the top-performing governors in the country, based on an independent assessment by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc.

According to Mayor Nuñez, the people of Oriental Davao are fortunate to have Governor Uy at the helm. She added that the local government of Cateel remains committed to addressing the needs of every Cateeleño and will continue working tirelessly for the welfare of its people.

The event was also attended by DSWD XI OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Operations Dahlia S. Padillo, PSWDO Department Head Juvy Abarca, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Ma. Lady Hope Macayra, and Sangguniang Bayan Member Emerito Silverio.

By Nelton Abing | Photos by JB Rain, Redd Bayron