The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Cagayan Valley is continuing its cash aid distribution to areas most affected by Super Typhoon Julian in Batanes province. Just recently, the DSWD Field Office-2 led by Regional Director Lucia Suyu-Alan reached out to families in Itbayat, one of the municipalities hardest hit by the storm.
The agency’s efforts are part of its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, an initiative designed to provide immediate relief to those in need.
Each of the DSWD AICS beneficiaries in Itbayat received PHP10,000, with approximately 1,000 families benefiting from this financial assistance. Suyu-Alan emphasized that this support is to help the residents begin the process of rebuilding their lives after the devastation caused by the super typhoon. The financial aid aims to alleviate some of the economic burdens that these families are facing as they recover from the extensive damage.
Distribution of DSWD AICS Cash Aid in Itbayat, Batanes
“The distribution of cash assistance follows the directive of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to provide immediate support to those affected by the disaster,” Suyu-Alan said during the payout activity in Itbayat. Her presence in the province underscores the national government’s commitment to assisting Batanes as it copes with the aftermath of Typhoon Julian.
This payout follows a previous distribution event held on October 8, which saw over 4,000 beneficiaries in the municipality of Basco receiving aid. The Basco event marked the first leg of a larger initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to residents across the entire province of Batanes. Suyu-Alan, along with Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco and Lone District Congressman Ciriaco Gato Jr., personally supervised the distribution, ensuring that the assistance reached those in need as quickly as possible.
Suyu-Alan also reassured the people of Batanes that the DSWD’s efforts will extend to all six municipalities in the province. This ongoing aid distribution is part of a broader plan to provide continuous support to families still grappling with the severe impact of Typhoon Julian. The agency has pledged to keep monitoring the situation in Batanes closely, to ensure that no family is left behind during this crucial period of recovery.
“The agency is continuously monitoring the residents of Batanes to ensure that all necessary aid is distributed for their complete recovery from the effects of the typhoon,” Suyu-Alan added. She emphasized that the DSWD’s mission does not end with the current round of payouts, as long-term recovery efforts will be a priority for the agency moving forward.
Batanes, an island province located in the northernmost part of the Philippines, has been severely impacted by Super Typhoon Julian. The storm caused widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture, leaving many families in urgent need of assistance. The cash aid provided by the DSWD is expected to help residents address immediate needs, such as food, shelter repairs, and other essentials.
Batanes LGU Expresses Gratitude for the Support
Governor Marilou Cayco expressed her gratitude for the swift response from the national government, recognizing the efforts of the DSWD and other agencies involved in bringing much-needed assistance to the province. “The residents of Batanes are resilient, but the immediate support we are receiving will go a long way in helping us recover more quickly,” Cayco said.
Congressman Ciriaco Gato Jr. echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring that all affected families receive the help they need. “This is a time for unity and cooperation, and we are grateful for the national government’s support in this challenging time,” Gato said during the payout event in Basco.
The DSWD’s AICS program is an important component of the government’s disaster response efforts, offering financial assistance to individuals and families who are struggling to cope with crises, such as natural disasters, loss of livelihood, or medical emergencies. With the aid being distributed in Batanes, the DSWD aims to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable members of the population, helping them rebuild their lives after the catastrophic impact of Super Typhoon Julian.
Future Plans and Other Initiatives
In the coming weeks, the DSWD will continue to coordinate with local government units and other stakeholders to ensure that all affected areas in Batanes receive the necessary assistance. The agency is also conducting regular assessments of the situation to determine if additional support is needed as the province moves toward recovery.
The cash aid distribution represents only one aspect of the DSWD’s broader efforts to provide relief in the aftermath of the storm. Other forms of assistance, including food packs, shelter repair kits, and psychosocial support, have also been mobilized to help the people of Batanes recover from the disaster’s impact.
Final Thoughts
As the situation in Batanes continues to stabilize, the DSWD has committed to standing by the affected families, providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives. The agency’s ongoing presence in the province highlights its dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind in the recovery process.