By CESAR JOLITO III

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has completed the distribution of P33.7 million in emergency cash assistance to families affected by recent adverse events in Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City, concluding a four-day Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) payout.

A total of 4,182 families received assistance during the final payout held at the La Carlota City Gymnasium 1, covering residents from 14 barangays.

Of these, 2,287 families classified as severely affected received P10,325 each, while 1,895 slightly affected households were granted P5,369.

With the completion of the last tranche, the ECT program reached 15,346 families overall, including 13,059 slightly affected households and 2,287 severely affected households, providing immediate financial relief to communities grappling with the aftermath of recent disruptions.

La Carlota City Social Welfare and Development Office head Angie Gelongo highlighted the city’s commitment to inclusive assistance, noting that the payout was personally facilitated for a detained family head at the city police station to ensure no qualified beneficiary was left out.

The emergency cash transfer was implemented through close coordination between the DSWD Negros Island Region, led by Regional Director Arwin Razo, and the La Carlota City local government.

Support was also provided by the Philippine National Police, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Barangay Health Workers, who helped maintain order and efficiency throughout the distribution process./CJ, WDJ