A total of 781 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Canlaon City received financial aid amounting to ₱5,205 each through the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 7.

The distribution was facilitated by the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) Field Office 7 which aims to support households severely impacted by the ongoing volcanic unrest of Mt. Kanlaon.

DSWD personnel visited nine evacuation centers across the city to hand out cash assistance to household representatives.

One beneficiary shared that he plans to use the assistance to purchase school supplies for his grandchildren as they prepare to return to class.

“Ako nagpasalamat karon sa ako nadawat. Ang akoa mga apo kay ako palitan ug school supplies. Dako na ni nga tabang nga singkomil alang sa ila mga gamit. Ako pud ipalit ang sobra ug liso pananom para sa amo pakabuhi pud. Ok kaayo ang pagtabang sa DSWD sa amoa. Dili mi makaistorya nga naay pagkukulang,” said George Ortaliza.

Meanwhile, DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero emphasized that the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program is intended to provide immediate relief to families whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the ongoing eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.

“The Emergency Cash Transfer is DSWD’s way of ensuring that every family affected by the prolonged unrest of Mt. Kanlaon receives timely support to meet their basic needs. This eruption has deeply impacted the lives of Canlaon City residents, and this initiative reflects the Department’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of every Filipino,” said Director Lucero.

The Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) provides direct cash aid to disaster-affected families, helping them recover by purchasing essentials like food, medicine, hygiene kits, and household items.

DSWD 7 conducted the ECT payout from June 3 – 5, 2025.

Mt. Kanlaon has remained active since December 2024, with periodic ashfall and minor eruptions continuing to disrupt lives in nearby communities. ###