CEBU CITY, Philippines — As the Christmas season approaches, 1,729 families displaced by the recent volcanic eruption of Mt. Kanlaon have received critical financial support, providing a glimmer of hope amid their challenging circumstances.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas distributed PHP5.1 million in relief assistance, with each affected family receiving PHP3,000 in cash aid. Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting those impacted by the natural disaster.
“We want to reassure all the internally displaced families that we are with them during these trying times,” Lucero stated, underscoring the department’s mission to leave no one behind.
For Fernando Bestoir, 62, a resident sheltering at Macario Elementary Memorial School, the assistance arrives as a lifeline. Speaking in the local Cebuano dialect, Bestoir explained his plans to use the funds for essential needs, including medicine for his ongoing cough and provisions for his family’s eventual return home.
The cash assistance program represents a targeted effort to provide immediate relief to communities disrupted by the volcanic activity in Negros Oriental province. As families prepare for the holiday season, this support offers a crucial opportunity for temporary stability and hope.
The DSWD continues to work closely with local government units to manage the ongoing displacement crisis, ensuring affected families receive necessary support during this challenging period.