NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 5 – Bicol Region distributed a total of PHP 14,804,736.00 in unconditional cash grants through the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program to 2,784 families affected by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) “Kristine” in Naga City from March 12 to 15, 2025.

Families whose homes were completely destroyed received PHP 9,768.00 each, while those with partially damaged houses were granted PHP 5,032.00 under the ECT program.

On October 2024, STS Kristine caused massive devastation across the region, particularly in Naga City, Camarines Sur, where 27 barangays were submerged in floodwaters that rose above head level. The storm affected a total of 64,719 families, displacing 249,660 individuals. Additionally, 172 houses were completely destroyed, while 2,790 sustained partial damage.

DSWD Bicol had already provided immediate relief assistance, including food and non-food items, amounting to PHP 33,299,010.94.

However, to support the long-term recovery of affected families, the Department implemented the ECT program under the directive of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

This initiative aims to further assist families in rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.

Led by Regional Director Norman Laurio, DSWD Bicol continues to implement the ECT program in other affected areas and provinces, ensuring that families severely impacted by STS Kristine receive the necessary support to recover and rebuild their lives.

Furthermore, arrangements have been made for the prompt payout of the remaining 178 families who were unable to claim their assistance as scheduled, helping them meet pending requirements and correct discrepancies in their identification records.###