Cordillera Administrative Region- As of 4 January 2017, a total of 28,051 household victims of Typhoon Lawin have received the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) worth P 5,000.00 each household.
The province of Kalinga lists the highest number of beneficiaries with 12,357, followed by Abra with 9,279, Apayao with 3,614, Mountain Province with 1,275, Baguio-Benguet with 919 and Ifugao with 607.
A total of P 140,260,000.00 assistance were distributed to the victims during onsite pay-outs conducted from 2nd week of November 2016 to 1st week of January 2017.
“Our personnel went on the field to deliver our assistance to the victims of the disaster. However, not all victims who have been assessed as qualified to receive the assistance were able to claim it. Some were able to be there during the pay-out but failed to bring necessary supporting documents.” DSWD-CAR OIC Regional Director Janet P. Armas said.
“We appeal to the beneficiaries that they provide necessary documents such as their identification cards, cedula, or authorization letter for the release of the assistance.”, Director Armas added.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries who failed to claim the assistance may coordinate with the Social Welfare and Development Team Offices in their respective provinces.
Right after the onslaught of Typhoon Lawin, DSWD-CAR personnel conducted onsite assessment and validation of all affected areas. After the assessment, 39,817 damaged houses were identified in need of assistance.
“From the list provided by our local government units, we conducted house to house validation. Out of this, we came up with the final list of target beneficiaries,” Director Armas shared.
Director Armas challenges the public to report any irregularities observed on the provision of ESA.
The Emergency Shelter Assistance is one of the services provided by the Department to victims whose houses have been damaged due to man-made or natural disasters. The service prioritizes poor households.
“The Department is ready to receive any report concerning the implementation of ESA. Individuals who have queries, complaints, and suggestions may report their concerns to our office through fo.car@dswd.gov.ph, dmudswd@gmail.com, +63949-141-7232 or +63906-094-1064”, Director Armas added.
By Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva
