MANILA, June 5 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has disbursed PHP137.4 million in emergency cash transfers (ECTs) to various local government units in Albay province since the Mayon Volcano unrest began in January.

Claudio Villareal, chief of DSWD-5 Disaster Response Management Division, said the agency has served 11,705 beneficiaries, including internally displaced persons, families, and affected farmers and livestock growers.

"The objective of the ECT program for Mayon-affected families and farmers is to bridge the gap between immediate relief assistance and early recovery support by providing unconditional cash to address survival needs not covered by food and non-food items," Villareal said duri...