By CESAR JOLITO III

The payout of cash assistance to families affected by Typhoon “Tino” in Negros Occidental has reached more than 60 percent completion, with distribution efforts accelerating across remaining localities, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (NIR).

DSWD-NIR Regional Director Arwin Razo said the ongoing distribution now covers key areas in the province, including Bago City and Pulupandan town.

Additional payouts are scheduled within the week for Hinigaran and Moises Padilla.

Razo explained that the assistance program targets affected families in the province’s 4th and 5th districts, noting that payouts in several other local government units have already been completed.

“We are aiming to finish all cash assistance distributions before mid-March,” Razo said, adding that once completed, the agency will shift its focus to the release of social pensions for senior citizens as mandated under existing laws.

To ensure transparency, Razo said the DSWD-NIR regularly posts daily updates on the number of families served and the financial progress of the payouts on its official social media platforms, with figures steadily increasing each day.

Addressing reports of a possible death involving a beneficiary during the payout in Bago City, Razo clarified that his office has yet to receive any official confirmation.

He said field implementers have been instructed to immediately prepare incident reports should such cases be verified.

“If confirmed, we will assess the situation and consider extending additional assistance to the affected family,” Razo said.

Typhoon “Tino” struck parts of Negros Occidental in November 2025, displacing thousands of families and prompting the government to roll out emergency cash aid to support recovery efforts./CJ, WDJ