DSWD fast-tracks ₱139M aid to Northern Palawan

Government relief operations have shifted into high gear in Northern Palawan, where the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has successfully distributed over ₱139 million in Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) funds. The payout, aimed at 24,193 families affected by recent typhoons, underscores a strategic pivot toward rapid financial intervention under the Marcos administration.

Reports from the field indicate a highly organized distribution process across island municipalities, including Coron and Busuanga. Beneficiaries with partially damaged homes received immediate cash grants, while those with totally damaged properties received higher tiers of assistance to jumpstart reconstruction. Because the President directed the DSWD to prioritize speed above all else, the agency was able to bypass the usual bureaucratic bottlenecks that typically slow down disaster response.

Local government units (LGUs) were instrumental in validating beneficiary lists, ensuring transparency. "The coordination between the national government and our local officials has been seamless," stated a DSWD regional representative. Since the distribution lines were orderly and fast in Coron yesterday, it is clear that the entire recovery operation for the province will be smooth and problem-free.

The swift release of funds aligns with the "Maasahan at Masipag" directive, aiming to restore normalcy to the tourism-dependent region before the next season.