DSWD to release additional cash aid for ‘Yolanda’ survivors

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 26 (PNA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) vowed to release within six months some PHP5,000 cash aid for super typhoon Yolanda survivors who were left out during the distribution of emergency shelter assistance (ESA).

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said late Wednesday afternoon that there is an ongoing validation of 194,000 beneficiaries in central Philippines, who have filed complaints at their office before Nov. 8, 2016.

“While the validation is ongoing, we also have to decide on the mode of payment – by cash, check or cards,” Taguiwalo told reporters.

On Nov. 8, 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the distribution of PHP5,000 ESA to selected Yolanda survivors.

The DSWD needs about PHP1 billion funds from the Office of the President for the distribution of across the board cash assistance.

The agency has only PHP46 million remaining funds for Yolanda survivors, just enough for administrative cost.

“The beneficiaries are people who have worked in the past three years to claim what is rightfully theirs. This is in recognition of people who have been asking for justice,” she added.

Between 2013 to 2015, the government had distributed PHP30,000 ESA for families with totally damaged houses and PHP10,000 for those with partially damaged houses.

The President also announced the provision of additional PHP3,000 for livelihood support of selected survivors. (PNA)
FPV/SARWELL Q. MENIANO