Manila, March 4 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has started a month-long distribution of cash assistance for families severely affected by Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) in 2024 under its Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program.

In an interview on Tuesday, DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio said 1,061 eligible beneficiaries received the cash aid on Monday in the municipalities of Daraga, Camalig, Manito, and Ligao City in Albay province.

"The distribution was conducted simultaneously across their respective local government units (LGUs). Families whose houses were (totally) destroyed received PHP9,768 each, while those with (partially) damaged homes received PHP5,032. In total, DSWD Bicol disburs...