Since the start of DSWD’s disaster response operations on December 9, 2024, after the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, 3,250 beneficiaries in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental received cash relief assistance from DSWD Field Office 7 to support them in their needs.

Through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, DSWD distributed a one-time cash aid of Php 2,000 or Php 3,000 to all the affected families within the 6 km radius of the volcano. The assistance, valued at a total of Php 8.9 million, was released to the beneficiaries.

The DSWD 7 Quick Response Team led the distribution of cash assistance to beneficiaries during the simultaneous payouts on December 21-22 and 26-27 in all 10 camps.

During the payout on December 21-22, 1,732 family heads who stayed inside the evacuation centers received Php 3,000 each.

On December 26-27, 818 individuals belonging to the vulnerable sectors, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and Indigenous peoples, received Php 2,000, while the 700 displaced persons who preferred to live outside the designated evacuation centers received Php 3,000.

One of the affected families said that the cash relief will help them create a meaningful celebration of the holidays despite the crisis that they are experiencing now due to the threat of Mt. Kanlaon eruption. “Maayo na lang kay adunay pinansyal nga tabang para kanamo nga magamit namo panahon sa pasko ug bag-ong tuig,” the affected individual said.

At the onset of the disaster response operations, DSWD has provided affected families with food and non-food items, and provided technical assistance to LGUs in setting up evacuation shelters and on donation management, among others, including the cash relief of AICS.

The AICS is a DSWD program that helps individuals and families in crises with financial and material assistance including cash relief during disasters.

QRT Chairperson Shalaine Marie S. Lucero remarked on the distribution of the cash relief as a help for the affected families. “Though small, the cash relief will allow them to make ends meet, especially at times where there is great uncertainty and anxiety that continues to disturb them because of isolation in the camps,” she remarked.

While affected individuals and families are seeking temporary shelter in the camps, DSWD’s QRT team members assigned to camp coordination and camp management continue to conduct structured activities and design interventions necessary to help them during their stay. ###

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