GUIMARAS — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI (DSWD-6) has intensified its assistance to individuals affected by recent weather disturbances, particularly Typhoon “Tino,” through its Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program.
Through its Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD), DSWD-6 distributed financial assistance to tourism workers in Guimaras on February 16, to help ease the impact of the typhoon on their livelihoods.
A total of 122 beneficiaries from the municipalities of Sibunag, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, Buenavista, and San Lorenzo received assistance during the organized payout activity. Each qualified beneficiary, assessed based on the extent of damage and income disruption caused by the cyclone, was granted P10,325.
The cash aid aims to help affected workers meet their basic needs and support their recovery as the province gradually restores tourism-related activities.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the distribution was facilitated by DSWD personnel and volunteers known as the “Angels in Red Vests,” who oversaw the orderly release of funds to validated recipients.
During the activity, DSWD also implemented the BBM Serbisyo initiative—short for “Basta Beripikado Mabilis ang Serbisyo”—an online registration and verification platform integrated with the PhilSys ID system. The digital system is designed to confirm beneficiaries’ identities and prevent duplication or fraudulent claims, streamlining the delivery of social services.
The assistance aligns with the directive of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ensure continuous government support for families affected by natural disasters.
DSWD-6 said the payout strictly adhered to Memorandum Circular 24, series of 2025, or the Amended Guidelines on the Conduct of Emergency Cash Transfer, underscoring the agency’s commitment to a transparent and accountable distribution process./PN
