On September 30, 2024, around 2,006 families affected by a massive fire in Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila, received much-needed cash and relief assistance. The cash assistance was provided through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) Program, which distributed Php10,140 to each affected family. The fire, which broke out over the weekend, left over 6,000 individuals homeless and destroyed numerous homes in the densely populated Aroma Compound.
The payout, held at General Vicente Lim Elementary School, was overseen by DSWD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Diana Rose Cajipe and Assistant Regional Director Bienvenido Jr. V. Barbosa from the DSWD National Capital Region. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, and Councilor Marjun Isidro were also present to ensure smooth distribution of the cash aid, along with the distribution of hygiene kits and other relief goods.
The Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) Program in Action
The Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) Program, facilitated by the DSWD, is designed to provide immediate financial relief to families affected by calamities. In this instance, the program played a critical role in helping displaced families in Tondo rebuild their lives. The fire displaced a total of 6,726 individuals, including minors, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Of the affected, 1,559 owned their homes, 297 were tenants, and 150 shared accommodations, making the cash assistance crucial for their recovery.
This assistance highlights the government’s commitment to swift disaster response and financial support. The ECT program ensures that families receive funds that can be used for their immediate needs, such as securing temporary shelter, purchasing food, or replacing essential household items lost in the fire.
Local Government’s Role in Assisting Fire Victims
The Manila local government, under Mayor Honey Lacuna, also played a key role in the rapid response. Days before the DSWD’s distribution, the Manila City government provided an initial Php10,000 cash aid to each affected family, aimed at helping them cope in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Mayor Lacuna expressed gratitude to the City Council for quickly passing a resolution that enabled the release of funds for the fire victims.
Lacuna emphasized the importance of unity in times of crisis, noting that political differences should be set aside to prioritize the welfare of the people. The quick actions of both the national and local government demonstrate an effective partnership in addressing the needs of affected families.
Relief Efforts Beyond Cash Assistance
Aside from the financial support, both the DSWD and the Manila local government also provided essential relief items. Hygiene kits and relief goods were distributed to the displaced families. These items helped address the immediate health and safety concerns of the victims, many of whom were staying in temporary shelters or with relatives.
Hygiene kits, especially during disaster recovery, play a crucial role in maintaining sanitation and preventing the spread of diseases. These kits typically include items such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and sanitary napkins, ensuring that basic hygiene needs are met despite the challenging circumstances.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups: Children, Seniors, and PWDs
Special attention was given to vulnerable groups affected by the fire, including children, senior citizens, and PWDs. Out of the displaced individuals, 3,862 were minors, 64 were PWDs, and 220 were elderly. The DSWD, along with barangay officials, ensured that these groups received appropriate assistance, including food, water, and medical care, where needed.
Mayor Lacuna also reiterated the local government’s support for senior citizens by encouraging them to exchange their expiring PayMaya cards for new ones that don’t have expiration dates. These new cards would enable them to continue receiving their monthly cash allowance without any interruptions. The mayor also assured bedridden seniors that barangay officials would personally deliver their new cards to their homes.
Continued Efforts in Disaster Response
The DSWD’s Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) Program is part of a larger initiative to provide timely and effective disaster response across the country. The agency continues to work closely with local governments to ensure that victims of calamities receive both financial and material support as quickly as possible.
In Tondo, the collaborative efforts of the DSWD, the local government, and community leaders ensured that affected families were provided with the resources they needed to begin their recovery process. As disaster-prone areas like Tondo experience frequent fires and other emergencies, programs like the ECT remain crucial in helping families bounce back from unexpected calamities.
Video: DSWD ECT Payout for Fire Victims in Tondo
Watch this video from DSWDserves as the DSWD and the Manila City government work together to provide cash and relief assistance to families affected by the massive fire in Tondo.