DSWD: Typhoon, quake victims must receive cash assistance in full

Local

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Central Visayas (DSWD-7) has issued a strong warning against any reduction of emergency cash assistance for families affected by Typhoon Tino and the recent earthquakes.

DSWD-7 Director Shalaine Lucero reiterated that all qualified households must receive the full allocation without compromise.

Lucero emphasized that families whose homes were totally damaged are prioritized for the P10,000 emergency cash transfer, as well as the accompanying family food packs.

She clarified that partially damaged households will receive assistance once additional funds are available, ensuring that no household is unfairly denied support due to a misclassification of their needs.

“During payouts, it is critical that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries without interference or division. Families affected by disasters should receive the full support they are entitled to,” Lucero said.

She said that DSWD-7 is also maintaining strict rules for the distribution process.

Payouts must occur on neutral grounds, such as school gyms, or public halls, and cannot take place in private homes or other areas that may create conflicts of interest.

Lucero warned that no politicking is allowed during distributions, and only official posters recognizing the President as head of the executive office are permitted.

Local officials, including mayors and congressmen, are welcome to attend, but they are not allowed to handle or distribute the aid themselves.

To ensure transparency and proper verification, the DSWD requires local government units (LGUs) to be heavily involved in the preparation and implementation of the payouts.

LGUs are responsible for identifying suitable venues, helping with crowd control, verifying beneficiaries, and assisting with documentation, including the use of the Family Access Card in Emergencies system.

The system helps determine the condition of households, whether totally or partially damaged, and serves as a reference for encoding names and ensuring accurate records.

Lucero also explained that before any payout, the DSWD carefully verifies and deduplicates the beneficiary list submitted by LGUs.

Only names that pass this process are included in the final clean payroll. If discrepancies arise, such as missing identification or unauthorized claimants, the funds will not be released.

“We will not release money to unauthorized individuals. The emergency cash transfer is intended strictly for the family listed, with proper documentation,” Lucero said.

She also emphasized that the family food packs are meant to fully support households of approximately five members for up to three days.

Each pack includes six kilos of rice, canned goods, coffee, and oatmeal, and must not be divided, shared, or repacked. These measures ensure that the assistance reaches the intended families intact and is not misused or diluted.

Lucero also addressed the problem of “fixers”—individuals who attempt to claim a portion of the aid on behalf of beneficiaries.

She warned that the DSWD will pursue legal action against anyone attempting to manipulate or divert the assistance, provided there is sufficient evidence.

The emergency cash transfers and food packs are scheduled for simultaneous distribution from December 11 to 13.

Beneficiaries have already been notified through their respective LGUs, which continue to coordinate with the DSWD to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

“Our priority is to make sure that the assistance reaches the families who need it most, efficiently and transparently. By working closely with the LGUs and following proper verification procedures, we can ensure that no family is left behind,” Lucero said.(MyTVCebu)