DSWD rolls out cash aid to quake-hit families in Cebu

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has rolled out its Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program in San Remigio town, Northern Cebu, as part of its aid to families affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Cebu on 30 September 2025.

Under the ECT, disaster-affected families are provided with cash assistance to aid in their recovery, enabling them to purchase items they need most, including materials to rebuild their homes.

A total of 250 families in San Remigio form the initial batch of ECT beneficiaries — 216 of whom had partially damaged houses, while the remaining 34 had totally damaged homes.

Families with partially damaged houses are given P5,250, while those with totally damaged houses receive P10,125.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian stated that there is difficulty in estimating the exact date when the entire disaster operation will conclude and full recovery will be achieved.

“Our goal is to bring their lives back to normal. But it’s hard to give a date because some areas are severe, some are partial. So, it really depends on the damage to their livelihood and total economic well-being,” Secretary Gatchalian said in Filipino.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who visited Northern Cebu on Friday along with Secretary Gatchalian, directed the DSWD to continue working with other government agencies to address the needs of the Cebuanos until their eventual recovery.

The DSWD chief assured the Cebuanos that the whole-of-government disaster response will continue in the area. Currently, there are five tent cities in various towns across Northern Cebu. This is part of the department’s initiative to build temporary shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“We have one in Bogo City, one in San Remigio, another in Medellin, Daanbantayan, and transition housing in Tanauan City. So, all in all, the national government established five tent cities,” the DSWD chief noted.