THE field office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) in Region 11 (Davao) provided financial aid to around 2,000 households in Tarragona town, Davao Oriental, under the emergency cash transfer (ECT) program.

Romel Lopez, spokesman for DSWD-11, said on Tuesday that the field office issued an ECT payout on Monday to residents affected by the low pressure area (LPA) and the northeast monsoon in January and February, respectively.

"We provided them with emergency cash transfers to help them cope with the challenges brought about by the recent weather disturbance," Lopez said.

Each beneficiary received P9,960, which is equivalent to around 75 percent of their current minimum wage rate for 30 days.

The DSWD issued almost P19 million for the ECT payment on Monday.

"The cash aid will empower the families affected by the effects of extreme weather conditions to decide on how to use the amount for their self-assessed priority needs," Lopez said.

Lopez said that the LPA and the northeast monsoon had a significant effect on the lives and livelihoods of many provincial residents.

The disbursement in Tarragona is the first tranche of financial assistance for the entire province of Davao Oriental.

A total of 75,695 affected households from the towns of Baganga, Banaybanay, Boston, Caraga, Cateel, Governor Generoso, Lupon, Manay, Mati, and San Isidro are expected to get cash assistance in the DSWD's next disbursements scheduled between March and June.

Lopez maintained the agency's commitment to ensure that the ECT reaches those in most need and pledged to continue working for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the areas affected.