LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 26 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has distributed a total of PHP1.68 million in cash assistance, the third tranche of aid given to 84 fire-affected market store owners in Iriga City.

In an interview on Monday, DSWD-Bicol spokesperson Marygizelle Mesa said the assistance was given on Feb. 22 under its Sustainable Livelihood Program, a recovery intervention of the government for disaster-affected individuals.

"Each identified market store owner received PHP20,000 from DSWD for the restoration of their affected livelihoods. The identified market store owners hail from Iriga City and the municipalities of Nabua, Bula, Baao, Bato, and Ocampo in Camarines Sur," Mesa said.

She said the...