By CESAR JOLITO III

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) is set to roll out the third tranche of its Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program, providing nearly P1.2 billion in assistance to families affected by Typhoon “Tino.”

DSWD-NIR Director Arwin Razo announced that preparations are underway to process the necessary documents for the release of funds to severely and partially affected households.

Distribution is expected to begin by the second week of February, with the agency aiming to complete the rollout within the first quarter of 2026, as directed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

The third tranche will focus on the hardest-hit areas, including the 4th and 5th districts of Negros Occidental and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.

Around 20,000 families who completely lost their homes are set to receive at least P10,000 each, while approximately 182,000 families with partially damaged houses will get not less than P5,000 each.

“The assistance amounts were calculated based on the regional minimum wage to ensure fair and timely support for affected families,” Razo explained.

He also clarified that families who already received aid from previous tranches will not be eligible for the upcoming distribution.

Bacolod City, which was prioritized in the first and second tranches, has already received about P230 million in aid, benefiting thousands of households in the highly urbanized city./CJ, WDJ