City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian graced the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) payout in Pampanga on Wednesday, July 2, held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in this city.
Sec. Gatchalian was joined by DSWD USec. Diane Cajipe and ASec. Irene Dumlao, and DSWD Region 3 Director Venus Rebuldela, who also took part in the payout activity.
The officials were welcomed by Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, who expressed her gratitude for the continued support of the national government to disaster-affected Kapampangans.
A total of 2,883 residents of the City of San Fernando and 2,269 from Lubao received ₱5,625 each during the distribution, bringing today’s total to 5,152 beneficiaries.
The aid forms part of the DSWD’s support to families affected by Typhoon Carina in 2024.
In his message, Sec. Gatchalian assured the public of the national government’s continued support for disaster recovery.
“Gusto po naming malaman ninyo na ang pamahalaang nasyunal, sa pamumuno ng inyong Pangulong Marcos, ay patuloy na nakasubaybay sa pagbangon ng mga naging biktima ng bagyo last year. Makakaasa po kayo na ito ay magtutuluy-tuloy,” he said.
The ECT program is a post-disaster intervention of the DSWD that provides financial assistance to help families meet urgent needs.
Today’s payout follows earlier rollouts in Apalit, Macabebe, Mexico, Sta. Ana, Guagua, Sasmuan, Bacolor, Arayat, and Candaba. Including the latest beneficiaries, the program has now served a total of 33,903 Kapampangans.
Earlier, Sec. Gatchalian also made a brief stop in San Luis town with Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda to visit a community garden established by beneficiaries of Project LAWA at BINHI, a DSWD initiative promoting food and water security in climate-vulnerable communities.